The quality of bathing waters in mainland Portugal worsened this year, with bathing restrictions increasing by 65% and bans more than doubling between May and July, according to an analysis published by the ZERO association. The environmental organization compared the monitoring points and identified a significant deterioration in the conditions of coastal and inland waters.
ZERO alerted to this situation through a statement, in which it presented the comparative data showing the increase in limitations on access to bathing areas. The growth in restrictions and bans represents a concern for swimmers and for the country's environmental management.
The association's analysis shows that between May and July the period with the greatest negative impact on water quality occurred, coinciding with the traditional bathing season. This worsening contrasts with the expected quality standards that Portugal must maintain in its coastal and river bathing areas.
