Due to temporary non-compliance with microbiological quality standards, linked to recent rainfall, the Department of Health has issued a recommendation against swimming at several beaches across the Basque Country, affecting both Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia.
Specifically, in Gipuzkoa, the affected beaches include Saturraran, Ondarbeltz, and Mutriku Puerto (Mutriku), Zarautz (Zarautz), Deba (Deba), and Santiago (Zumaia). In Bizkaia, the advisory applies to Ea (Ea), Isuntza (Lekeitio), Muriola (Barrika), Arrigorri (Ondarroa), and Karraspio (Mendexa).
As a precautionary and temporary measure, bathing is advised against at these locations. The contamination monitoring protocol has been activated, and relevant authorities, including the Basque Water Agency (URA), the Consorcio de Aguas Bilbao Bizkaia, the Provincial Councils of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and the respective town councils, have been notified.
The Department of Health will continue daily water quality analysis. Sampling results for Saturraran, Ondarbeltz, and Santiago, which were repeated today, will be available tomorrow, July 1st. For the remaining areas, new samples will be taken tomorrow, July 1st, with results expected on Thursday, July 2nd. Based on these findings, any changes to the water quality recommendations or beach closures will be announced.
