Es Pouet stays open as rainwater reaches bathing area

Es Pouet beach in Sant Antoni remains open after a small amount of water reached the bathing area following rain. The town hall says it was rainwater, not sewage, and no swimming ban was imposed. On Tuesday, municipal services and water concessionaire Facsa checked where the water had come from.

They found no leak in the sewer network, according to the council. It said the water had flowed from the rainwater drainage system, where runoff is discharged after rainfall.

Reading points to rainwater

An electrical conductivity reading — a test of the water's properties — measured 526 microsiemens per centimetre. The council said that was far below the usual minimum range of 3,000 to 5,000 for wastewater, supporting its conclusion that the water was rainwater.

Lifeguards followed their protocol and informed people on the beach. They found that only a minimal amount of water had reached the bathing area, and the council said a closure or swimming ban requires confirmed contamination.

Water-test results still pending

Municipal teams have taken water samples from the bathing area as a precaution. The council said runoff can pick up pollutants on its route to the sea, and the results have not yet been released.

A further inspection early on Wednesday found no puddles on the sand and no sign that runoff had affected the bathing area. The council added that regular official analyses at Es Pouet show water quality suitable for swimming.

Topics: Environment · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com