Water quality in swimming areas

Ministry of Health

Annual information on water quality in inland and coastal swimming areas in Spain. Quality is measured as an indicator that evaluates two microbiological parameters, intestinal enterococcus and escherichia coli; as well as macroscopic parameters such as transparency, colour, mineral oils, presence of jellyfish, persistent foam and floating solids, organic debris and any other residue that may affect the health conditions of the water.

Latest data: Year 2023 | Frequency: Annual update | Last update: December 2023

INFORMATION:

• Monitoring the health of swimming waters is carried out during the swimming season, which is the period during which a significant influx of beachgoers is expected, taking into account local customs and weather conditions. The season is determined in each territory by its autonomous region.
• The number of samples should normally be at least 8 per season, plus a preliminary sample taken before the swimming season begins. In cases of beaches where access is difficult, where the season is shorter than 8 weeks, and where, based on historical data, the health authorities consider the water to be safe for swimmers, the number of samples per season may be reduced to a minimum of 4 in addition to the preliminary sample. The maximum period between sample collection must never exceed more than 30 days.
• Microorganism measurement data is only available from 2019.

If you would like to view swimming water quality data on a map at municipal level and at sampling points, you can find them by clicking on the map that follows.

Definitions

• Swimming water:

  Any body of surface water where a significant number of people are expected to swim or where there is a nearby activity directly related to swimming, and where there is neither a fixed ban on swimming nor a fixed recommendation to refrain from swimming, and where there is no objective danger to the public. Swimming water sites are geographically defined areas registered with the responsible regional authority, which do not extend beyond the municipal level.

• Sampling Point:

  The place designated by the health authority for sampling in order to monitor swimming water quality, located where the largest number of swimmers is expected, taking into account the increased risk of pollution based on swimming water profile. Sampling points may vary over time, depending on the increased risk of swimming water pollution.

• Swimming water quality:

  Quality is rated as 'Excellent', 'Good', 'Sufficient' or 'Poor'. Sampling points (SPs) where the minimum number of samples required by national regulations have not been taken are classified as 'Not Rated'.

More information: