Bathing water quality remains excellent, environment department says

Limassol, Cyprus. Bathing water quality across Cyprus remains classified as excellent, the environment department said on Friday, following reports of foam in the sea off Limassol and complaints about discharges from the Moni wastewater plant.

The department said additional sampling and inspections had found no microbiological contamination at nearby beaches, while investigations into the apparent pollution near Limassol were continuing.

Island-wide monitoring

Sea water is tested across the island throughout the swimming season, from the beginning of May until the end of October, by the state laboratory and health services under a set testing programme.

Additional testing has been introduced this year in the Famagusta and Limassol districts and at Mackenzie beach in Larnaca. Samples are being taken more frequently than required by law following complaints made last summer.

Limassol investigation continues

In response to recent reports of apparent pollution in the sea near Limassol, the department said it was taking and testing additional water samples to identify the cause.

Based on the results available so far, no microbiological contamination has been detected, the department said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

Moni wastewater plant checks

The department said it immediately examined complaints concerning discharges from the Moni wastewater plant, carried out additional inspections and took action.

Emergency samples were collected at the plant and at nearby beaches, including Kalymnos and Governor’s.

Higher bacterial levels were recorded only in samples taken directly next to the Moni plant, the department said. No bacteria were found in samples from the nearby beaches.

Overall, both extraordinary and scheduled sampling showed that bathing water quality in the area had not been affected and continued to be classified as excellent, the department said.