The environmental association ZERO warned of a significant worsening of bathing water quality in Portugal in 2026. The organization concluded that restrictions on bathing areas increased markedly compared to the previous year.
According to the association's data, restrictions rose from 51 in 2025 to 84 in 2026. This growth represents a 65 percent increase in the number of bathing areas affected by limitations.
ZERO's alert comes in a context of growing concern about the quality of coastal and river waters used for swimming and recreational activities in the country. The environmental association has been monitoring and publishing information about the situation of Portuguese bathing waters.
