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Two popular Spanish beaches have been shut due water quality test results (Image: Getty)
Two of Spain's popular seaside spots have temporarily closed after water quality tests on the beaches detected abnormal levels of E. coli. The bathing ban was imposed at two beaches in the south of Tenerife, which are popular among residents and tourists. The decision was announced by Adeje Town Hall, which called for the “immediate suspension of swimming at Playa de Troya I and El Puertito".
The decision was made as a precautionary public health measure following water quality tests in the surrounding area. As such, local authorities have also activated the relevant protocol for closure, public notification and beach monitoring, reports Canarian Weekly.
Troya I and II beaches in Playa Las Americas in the south of Tenerife found high levels of E coli (Image: Getty)
The closures come after authorities at Granadilla de Abona had prohibited access to El Médano's La Jaquita Beach, after its waters also revealed an elevated presence of the food-poisoning bacterium E.coli.
Fresh water samples were taken from the Municipal Water Laboratory and are expected to determine their results within the next 24 hours.
Once the results are determined, a decision on whether or not to lift these bans will be made.
The council said in its formal notice: "This is a preventive step and we will reopen the beaches as soon as water quality levels are deemed safe for swimming."
Along with the beachfronts remaining off limits, holidaymakers and residents in the area are strongly advised to steer clear of the waters and heed any posted warnings.
E. coli infections can manifest with a variety of symptoms including diarrhea and stomach pain (Image: Getty)
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The source of this contamination in the Spanish waters remains unknown, however, municipal technical staff have done further tests to determine the cause.
Staff reportedly inspected local infrastructure with no malfunctions being confirmed including no issues found in any of the systems managed by the Town Hall.
The Tenerife Cabildo’s Water Authority (Consejo Insular de Aguas) also confirmed all their systems are functioning efficiently with no leaks or faults identified.
As no major system malfunctions have been reported, the Town Hall is now considering commissioning an external investigation to further investigate potential sources of the pollution.
Alongside contaminated beach waters, Catalonia was also embroiled in controversy with the Foreign Office updating its travel advice on Saturday, May 10.
The warning is still in place today and relates to a fire with the warning reading: "An industrial warehouse fire in Catalonia has resulted in a chlorine gas cloud over parts of the region south of Barcelona.
"If you are in the area you should follow the advice of authorities and monitor local updates, including staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed."
According to the Guardian, more than 160,000 people near Barcelona have been told to stay indoors by Spanish authorities.
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