Beach in Algarve resumes public access
In the picturesque Faro district of Portugal, the swimming ban has been lifted at Praia Verde, Alagoa-Altura beach, and Verde Lago beach in Vila Real de Santo António. However, the cause of the microbiological contamination that led to the initial ban remains unknown.
The municipality of Castro Marim had been working diligently to determine the source of the contamination. Initial analysis revealed microbiological contamination levels above the reference limit, prompting an official swimming ban as a health precaution.
Subsequent water quality analyses showed that the contamination source no longer existed, allowing authorities to lift the swimming ban on August 6, 2025. The harbourmaster of Vila Real de Santo António, João Afonso Martins, declared the end of the swimming ban, but the investigation into the precise cause of the contamination continues.
The contamination was traced back to sewage water being pumped from the EE de Fonte Santa sewage pumping station into a river between July 27 and 31, 2025. This river, contaminated with a large volume of black mass dry silt, carried the pollution via the current toward Cacela Velha and then in the direction of Altura, leading to elevated contamination levels in the coastal waters of these beaches.
Despite the lifting of the swimming ban, the green flags at Praia Verde, Alagoa-Altura beach, and Verde Lago beach indicate that the water is safe for swimming. However, the city government has clarified that this does not imply that the cause of the previous contamination is known.
Praia Verde, Alagoa-Altura beach, and Verde Lago beach form a tourist and real estate complex, drawing visitors from around the world. The beaches are located in the municipality of Castro Marim and are situated close to each other.
The municipality is continuing its investigation into the source of the contamination, with the sewage pumping event identified as the likely source. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
- In light of the investigation, the city government advises tourists planning to visit Praia Verde, Alagoa-Altura beach, and Verde Lago beach, a popular real estate and home-and-garden destination, to stay informed about the ongoing investigation regarding the microbiological contamination that affected these beaches earlier this year.
- As part of a wider lifestyle and travel initiative, the municipality of Castro Marim encourages residents and visitors to stay up-to-date on real estate market trends in the region, including properties near Praia Verde, Alagoa-Altura beach, and Verde Lago beach, while being mindful of any potential environmental concerns affecting the area.
