Leak was quickly fixed, but Loulé Council wants an explanation
Swimming at beaches in Vilamoura and Quarteira is discouraged after a wastewater leak was discovered at the Águas do Algarve pumping station (EE2) located at Passeio das Dunas.
Loulé Municipal Council has released a statement on the issue, stressing that it contacted the regional water company as soon as the leak was discovered and that the company took immediate action to repair the malfunction and stop the discharge.
Meanwhile, in response to the spill, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) – ARH Algarve has issued a warning against swimming in the waters off Vilamoura and Quarteira as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
The local council has requested a meeting with the administration of Águas do Algarve in order to receive an “explanation about the origin of the malfunction and which measures it intends to take to avoid future occurrences, which cause absolutely preventable reputational damage.”
The local authority adds that it is monitoring the situation closely and that it will update the public on any changes to the “recommended precautionary measures.”
On Tuesday, a swimming ban was imposed at the Algarve beaches of Fuseta-Ria in Olhão and Armação de Pêra in Silves after E. coli bacteria was detected during routine water quality checks.
