Lorraine Williamson
Local authorities in the Valencian Community have closed off swimming zones in parts of Valencia and Alicante due to unsafe levels of bacterial contamination. The affected areas include Port Saplaya and Playa dels Peixets in Alboraya (Valencia province), along with Gran Playa and Playa Lisa in Santa Pola (Alicante).
In Valencia, water testing revealed dangerously high concentrations of Escherichia coli, a bacteria commonly associated with sewage contamination. In Alicante, slightly elevated levels were found following recent heavy rainfall, prompting pre-emptive closures in selected zones.
Repeat closures at Port Saplaya and Playa dels Peixets
Port Saplaya Norte and Playa dels Peixets, both near the Carraixet River in Alboraya, have been closed again following fresh reports of contamination. The latest samples, collected by the Generalitat Valenciana’s environmental department, showed E. coli levels exceeding safety thresholds.
The source of the pollution is believed to be linked to several nearby irrigation canals — including the San Vicente and La Marquesa acequias — as well as possible discharges from the Carraixet River. Swimming has been banned in a safety zone spanning between 50 and 200 metres around the discharge points.
This marks the second closure at these beaches in under two weeks. Port Saplaya was previously shut between 25 and 30 July due to suspected sewage runoff. A similar incident last summer saw the beaches remain closed for nearly a month.
What is E. coli and why is it dangerous?
Escherichia coli — commonly known as E. coli — is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, some can cause serious illness if ingested, especially through contaminated water. High levels of E. coli in seawater often indicate the presence of sewage or animal waste, making swimming a health hazard.
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear within one to three days and can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), nausea, and vomiting. In vulnerable individuals — particularly children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems — the effects can be more severe, occasionally leading to kidney failure. Health authorities warn against swimming in contaminated water, as even accidental ingestion or contact with open wounds can pose a risk.
Bacterial traces found in Santa Pola following rainfall
Further south in Alicante province, parts of Gran Playa and Playa Lisa in Santa Pola have also been cordoned off. Elevated bacteria levels were detected near drainage channels by the salt flats and close to the old canal near the marina.
Councillor Ángel Piedecausa confirmed the results appeared shortly after heavy rainfall and noted that follow-up tests just a few metres from the affected outlets returned to normal. Still, as a precaution, the town council has fenced off the contaminated zones.
Underlying crisis: 107,000 homes without sewage connection
Experts suggest these incidents are not isolated. According to Maite Sebastià, an environmental scientist at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the pollution reflects a deeper structural issue: over 100,000 homes in the region are still not connected to the public sewage network.
This unregulated wastewater often flows into irrigation channels that eventually discharge into the Mediterranean. The problem worsens during summer, when tourism surges and treatment facilities become overloaded — resulting in frequent beach pollution.
In response, Alboraya’s town council has urged regional authorities to take joint action. Meanwhile, Santa Pola has already earmarked €280,000 to upgrade old pipelines at Playa Lisa and Tamarit in a bid to reduce future contamination risks.
Beaches still open – with caution
While specific swimming zones remain off-limits, the vast majority of Valencia and Alicante’s beaches remain open. Red flags and signage have been put in place to mark affected areas, and visitors are advised to follow lifeguard instructions.
Long-term fix needed for coastal pollution
This year’s closures are part of a worrying trend that risks damaging the region’s reputation as a summer holiday destination. As infrastructure struggles to keep pace with development and climate-related weather extremes, experts warn that investment and regional cooperation will be essential to prevent a repeat of this cycle in future summers.
Dénia and Vinarós beaches reopened to swimmers last month after pollution scare
Sources: ValenciaExtra, Levante