Discouragement of bathing on Fraga da Pegada's riverbank
The popular Fraga da Pegada river beach, nestled in the Azibo Reservoir Protected Landscape near Macedo de Cavaleiros in the Bragança district, Portugal, has been temporarily closed for bathing due to microbiological contamination.
This closure is a common occurrence when routine water quality testing detects elevated levels of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli or intestinal enterococci, or in cases of algal blooms or other contaminants that could pose health risks to swimmers.
In this instance, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has ordered the closure, citing the presence of both intestinal enterococci and E. coli bacteria.
The bathing season at the Fraga da Pegada river beach, which commenced on June 14 and is scheduled to conclude on September 14, has been disrupted by the closure. The exact date of the closure was a Wednesday.
For the latest and most accurate information on the closure, it's best to check the website of the Municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros or the Portuguese Environment Agency. They usually issue press releases or post updates on their official sites and social media accounts regarding temporary closures and the reasons behind them.
If you're looking for alternative beaches, consider Praia do Azibo or Praia da Ribeira, if open. It's also advisable to check back for updates, as closures are often temporary and water quality can change quickly.
It's worth noting that the Fraga da Pegada river beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, a prestigious eco-label for beaches and marinas that meet high standards for water quality, environmental management, education, safety, and services.
Despite the temporary closure, the Fraga da Pegada river beach remains a popular swimming spot and is expected to reopen once the water quality has improved. Until then, visitors are encouraged to follow local advisories and posted signage.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined at the Fraga da Pegada river beach, as the temporary closure due to microbiological contamination highlights the importance of nutrition in maintaining clean natural environments. The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has discovered elevated levels of harmful bacteria such as intestinal enterococci and E. coli, underscoring the need for proper sanitation and nutrition practices to preserve the beach's pristine condition and ensure the wellbeing of its visitors.
