The Public Health Laboratory of Leiria (ULS RL – USP Nazaré) has reported that water samples collected from Nazaré Beach on Tuesday are within legal and recommended standards for bathing, according to the Nazaré City Council in the district of Leiria.
Bathing had been prohibited since Sunday due to runoff caused by a clogged waste pipe, prompting the Port of Nazaré’s Harbour Master to raise a red flag on the last day of the bathing season.
The analysis results revealed today indicate that “the water is suitable for bathing,” according to the municipality, and the Port of Nazaré Harbour Master advises swimmers to follow the guidance of lifeguards who oversee the beach outside the bathing season.
This marks the third bathing ban at Nazaré Beach after the municipality lodged a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in August, seeking investigations into the first two effluent discharges.
The complaint, against unknown parties, requests an investigation into the circumstances leading to the sewage pipe blockage and two wastewater discharges on the beach, which occurred at the end of July and during the second week of August.
These incidents led to the closure of Nazaré Beach on August 1 and 13.
Following the first incident, 116 people were treated at the Regional Health Unit of Leiria with symptoms related to water contamination.
The Nazaré City Council, considering launching an audit on these incidents, wants the Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine “if there is a basis for investigation” and to proceed with legal action.
Once conclusions are available, an extraordinary executive meeting will be scheduled to evaluate the condition of the pipes, which are about 60 years old. The mayor of Nazaré, Manuel Sequeira, acknowledges they can no longer handle the pressure from population increases at certain times of the year.
Manuel Sequeira, who is not seeking re-election, has already urged candidates in the municipal elections on October 12 to prioritize the replacement of the pipes, a project estimated to cost around two million euros.
