Brits heading out to Spain for their summer holidays have been issued a warning after a worrying level of bacteria and faeces were found in the water. The warning came after the alarming discovery off the coast of Ibiza.
E. Coli and faecal matter were reportedly found in the waters of two picturesque beaches in Ibiza after the water quality was tested. Now the beaches of Cala Gracio in Sant Antoni and Cala Gracioneta are to be closed for at least two days as authorities begin an urgent clean up.
Warnings had been posted on the popular beaches, telling visitors to avoid the area, the Express reports. It is believed the contamination originated from human waste leaking from a house in the area, local councillor Pepita Torres said.
He said: "We are going to proceed to open an investigation to see where it comes from.
"We can think that it comes from wastewater from a house in the area."
A follow-up assessment will check the state of the water for improvements after 48 hours. According to local businesses, the beach closures have led to a a decline in the number of tourists visiting the usually pristine area, famous for its crystal clear water and white beaches.
One said: "We had a few good days after the rains and now this is going to make fewer people come.
"I am surprised, because it's never happened on this beach."
Ibiza is popular with many British tourists for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous old town and nightlife. Temperatures in the island are set to skyrocket this weekend and may even reach a blistering 42C, according to the Spanish weather agency AEMET.
Spain has already experienced multiple heatwaves during its hottest and the second driest spring in its history.
