The environmental authorities banned swimming on the beaches of Vale do Lobo and Quarteira as of yesterday, after a high level of harmful bacteria was discovered in the sea water.
Commander Santos Pereira told news agencies that analyzes of the quality of sea water carried out by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) detected the presence of fecal coliforms in the water and the regional health delegate ordered the banning of the two beaches for bathing.
After receiving the information from the health delegate, the maritime authorities hoisted the red flag on both beaches, until further analyzes confirm that the water quality is restored and poses no health risks.
Loule council say, "the relevant regional entities in these areas are taking all measures in order to restore the normal use of bathing water on the beaches in question as soon as possible”.
“The red flag was raised in the middle of the afternoon”, said the captain of the port of Faro, stressing that the APA will continue to test the sea water on the two beaches, as part of the regular testing of the quality of the sea water that it does on Portuguese beaches.
The beaches of Vale do Lobo and Quarteira are usually the most popular in the Loulé area.
