In a statement, Zero explains that it has evaluated the results regarding the quality of bathing water during the present season, made available by the National Water Resources Information System, comparing it with the same period of time in 2022.

Despite the fact that the analysis is a week ahead of schedule this year, the problems “are already more significant”, says Zero.

According to the association, there are currently 658 bathing waters "with a limited number of beaches showing problems, but more significantly than in the last bathing season".

“The advice against or prohibition of bathing, even for a short period of time, affected 28 beaches, seven more than in a similar period last year”, says Zero.

In those bathing areas, according to the association, the analyzes "exceeded the limits technically set at national level" for at least one of the two microbiological parameters that are evaluated (Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococcus).

Already 28 beaches have been banned so far, also seven more than in the last bathing season, "mostly due to poor water quality", including "cases of works to clear the beach or risks of instability on the cliffs".

Albufeira is, according to Zero, the municipality in the country with the highest number of beaches affected by poor quality and/or closures, with seven beaches.