Up to 26 sewage-related spills contaminated Ibiza's beaches over the summer, according to Spanish news agency EFE. Some incidents forced beaches to close temporarily, with swimming banned while water quality was assessed.
Samples collected by a local environmental organisation exceeded legal limits for faecal bacteria in bathing water, namely Escherichia coli (E coli) and intestinal enterococci (IE). Beaches in the municipalities of Sant Josep de sa Talaia (San José) and Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio) were the worst affected, EFE reported.
Incidents at s'Estanyol and s'Arenal
In early April, Sant Josep Town Council detected a spill at s’Estanyol beach. Another was reported soon after at s'Arenal beach in Sant Antoni. The latter recorded three incidents over the summer, the most recent on September 20, when a fault in the sewage network led to a 12-day bathing ban.
One of the most controversial incidents occurred at Es Codolar beach in August and was reportedly linked to the wastewater treatment plant at Ibiza Airport.
Environmental group's findings
The environmental organisation Salvem sa Badia de Portmany blamed the incidents on the poor condition of the sewage network. After conducting water tests throughout the summer, the organisation said some samples exceeded legal limits for E coli and IE, bacteria known to pose a risk to bathers' health.
These bacteria are found in faeces from a range of sources, including sewage, birds and other wildlife, pets and farm animals. E coli infections can lead to death in severe cases. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and fatigue.
Weather and legal context
The UK's Environment Agency notes that rainfall can increase the risk of pollution entering rivers. Salvem sa Badia de Portmany notes that discharging untreated wastewater during dry weather is considered an environmental offence, whereas during wet weather, rainwater can mix with wastewater in the sewerage system without this in itself constituting an offence.
