The São Paulo coast currently has 33 beaches deemed unfit for bathing due to high bacteria levels, with specific municipalities like Ilhabela and Caraguatatuba being notably affected.
This week, the environmental agency Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) reported that there are 33 beaches along the São Paulo coast that are unsuitable for swimming. This figure is updated weekly, with the current status released on February 19. Following this report, the next update is scheduled for February 26, highlighting the importance of public awareness regarding beach conditions.
Ilhabela is particularly impacted, having the highest number of non-compliant beaches this week, totaling six. Caraguatatuba has the unfortunate distinction of having all its beaches marked as unfit for bathing. The CETESB assesses water quality, specifically monitoring the presence of bacteria; if more than 100 colonies of bacteria are found per 100 millimeters of water, the beach is classified as unsuitable for swimming. As a precautionary measure, flagged areas are identified with a red flag.
Public health is at stake as the beaches marked with a red flag can pose significant health risks to bathers due to the high bacteria levels. Therefore, authorities strongly advise against swimming in these waters, promoting precaution for locals and tourists alike who frequent these popular coastal spots. The reporting and active monitoring by CETESB serve to keep the public informed and reduce the risk of health hazards associated with contaminated water.
