Expanded bans on the Masnou Coast
Recently, the Masnou Town Council has taken additional measures to protect public health, extending the beach area where bathing is prohibited due to incidents at the wastewater treatment plant of the Maresme Regional Council. This decision comes after the detection of leaks that affect water quality.
Details of the Ban
Initially, the restriction covered an area of 100 metres on both sides of the mouth of the Teià stream. However, following the recommendations of the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), the ban has been extended by 200 metres further to the southwest, reaching approximately the Repsol petrol station located on the N-II. This means that a total of 300 metres of the municipality’s beach are off limits to bathers.
Causes of Restriction
The root of the problem is the broken outfall of the sewage treatment plant. The Regional Council is responsible for carrying out the necessary repairs. Although a repair project has already been approved and funding from the ACA has been secured, the works will not begin until the end of the bathing season. According to the City Council, starting the works now could cause further problems, as it would involve stirring up the seabed and making the water cloudy.
History of Problems in the Treatment Plant
This is not the first incident involving the treatment plant. However, local authorities have stressed that the current break is different from previous incidents. In 2020, a repair was carried out on another segment that will connect to the new section to be installed after the summer season. In addition, it is planned to reinforce the fixation of the outfall on the seabed to avoid future complications.
Water Quality Control
To ensure the safety of bathers, the City Council has decided to carry out water quality tests on a weekly basis in the affected areas and at two additional points on Ocata beach, where samples were collected every two weeks. At these two points, located near Calle del Brasil and the Club Nàutic, the results have been described as ‘excellent’.
Safety on the Masnou Beaches
The City Council assures that, with the exception of the restricted area, bathing on the beaches of Masnou and Ocata is safe, as long as the warning flags do not indicate otherwise. Surveillance and testing will continue to ensure the health and well-being of all visitors.
Final Thoughts
The extension of the prohibited zone highlights the importance of adequate infrastructure and responsible management of water resources in the region. While the treatment plant is awaited for repair, the local community and visitors should remain informed and follow the recommendations of the authorities to enjoy a safe summer on the coast.
