A section of coastline in Tenerife has been declared temporarily unsafe for swimming after routine testing found levels of intestinal enterococci more than twice the reference value.
The restriction affects El Cabezo beach in Güímar, between access B and the dog beach, with the area fenced off and bathing prohibited until health authorities confirm that water quality has returned to acceptable levels.
The measure was introduced by Güímar Council following notification from the Canary Islands Health Service of what has been classified as a short-term contamination episode.
A sample taken on Wednesday, September 9th, at El Cabezo-Paseo de las Palmeras recorded 410 colony-forming units (CFU) of intestinal enterococci per 100 millilitres of water.
The reference level used by the authorities is below 200 CFU per 100ml, meaning the latest result was more than double that figure.
Earlier test triggered monitoring
The latest result followed an earlier sample taken on September 7th, which recorded 170 CFU per 100ml and led authorities to begin additional monitoring of the water.
Following the subsequent higher reading, the Tenerife Health Area's inspection and laboratory service declared the affected section unsuitable for bathing and ordered the temporary prohibition.
Intestinal enterococci are bacteria routinely monitored by health authorities as an indicator of microbiological contamination in bathing water.
Their presence at elevated levels can indicate contamination by sewage or other sources and may present a health risk to swimmers.
The exact cause of the latest incident has not been officially confirmed. Local council sources cited in the Tenerife media have pointed to a possible problem with the area's underwater outfall as one potential explanation, but this remains unconfirmed.
Further samples are being taken to establish whether water quality has improved.
How long will the beach remain closed?
There is currently no confirmed reopening date.
The bathing restriction will remain in place until the health authority determines that the water is once again suitable for swimming following satisfactory test results.
Importantly, the contamination episode does not mean El Cabezo normally has poor-quality bathing water.
The beach forms part of the official network of monitored bathing areas in the Canary Islands and has previously recorded good results. The current closure relates to a specific contamination episode detected during routine monitoring.
Visitors heading to the Güímar coastline this weekend should therefore observe the restrictions and avoid entering the sea within the affected area until the authorities announce that swimming can resume.
The incident follows several temporary bathing restrictions at different locations around Tenerife during the summer after microbiological contamination was detected.
