An analysis conducted by the University of the State of Amazonas (UEA) has found elevated levels of fecal coliforms in the water of Ponta Branca beach in the Educandos neighborhood of Manaus. This assessment was carried out after the beach was reopened by the city government, attracting a large number of visitors on Sunday, July 15. According to the study, the water quality is now deemed unsuitable for recreation based on bathing standards.

The water samples were collected from three sites along the beach by technicians from UEA's Water Laboratory, which has monitored this area under the Program for Monitoring Water, Air, and Soil in Amazonas (ProQAS/AM) for nearly a decade. The recent results showed about 3,500 fecal coliforms per sample, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 2,000 for safe bathing. In previous years, levels have soared to alarming figures, including 340,000 at one point in 2025, with concentrations in the Educandos basin reaching as high as 5 million.

The coordinator of the laboratory, Sérgio Duvoisin, emphasized the health risks associated with such high contamination levels, warning that this poses a significant threat to public safety. This news raises serious concerns about water quality management and environmental health in Manaus, especially in popular recreational areas that are frequented by families and individuals seeking leisure activities.