Mareta Beach in Vila do Bispo was closed for bathing earlier this week, after water testing showed a risk to public health.
The culprit turned out to be this towel, which had clogged a sewage collector, causing small amounts of sewage to leak in to the sea.
The ban on bathing was lifted on Wednesday evening according to Vila do Bispo Council, “following the analytical results obtained from the collection carried out at the end of Wednesday, August 26, the quality of the bathing water at Mareta beach was considered compatible with bathing practice, with no increased risk to public health”.
The council warns of "the importance of responsible use of the sanitation system", urging people "not to deposit towels, diapers, wipes, bricks or other inappropriate waste in the system. These behaviours can cause serious obstructions, with significant impacts on the functioning of the collectors and negative consequences for the environment and the community."
