Popular beach in Tenerife closed due to contamination

The town of Puerto de la Cruz has announced that swimming is temporarily prohibited at Playa Jardín due to contamination from sewage water.

This decision follows a report from the Canary Islands’ Public Health Department indicating high levels of bacteria in the water.

Starting Thursday, signs in multiple languages will be posted at all beach entrances, warning visitors of the health risks. The water quality has been deemed unsafe, with the presence of E. coli bacteria posing risks such as gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, and skin problems.

The decision was made after a meeting with health officials and local government representatives, who agreed that the beach's water quality has significantly declined over the past year. While nearby beaches like Martiánez and San Telmo have good water quality, Playa Jardín has seen a steady decrease, attributed to issues dating back to 2016.

Mayor Marco González expressed regret over the potential negative impact on tourism but emphasized the need for precaution and collaboration with other administrations. Efforts to improve the situation include a comprehensive study to identify underlying causes and plans to ensure all local properties are connected to the sewage system.

The municipality is also working with the Tenerife Island Water Council to expedite the rehabilitation of a damaged underwater pipeline. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the capacity of the regional water treatment plant to handle increased wastewater from neighboring areas.

The town is committed to improving water quality at Playa Jardín and will continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to lift the swimming ban as soon as it is safe.