The list containing the bathing waters to be identified in the Azores in 2020 is under public consultation until January 31. This public consultation arises under the regional legislation and aims to provide citizens with the opportunity to express their opinions, suggestions, complaints and comments on this matter.
 
Next year's list proposes the maintenance of the seventy coastal bathing areas identified in the archipelago in 2019 as well as the identification of eight new coastal bathing waters.
 
These eight novelties, all located in the municipality of Lajes do Pico, are as follows: Calhau and Manhenha (civil parish of Piedade), Poça das Mujas (civil parish of Calheta de Nesquim), Pontes and Santa Cruz das Ribeiras, Lajes Nautical Club (aka Lagoa) and Fonte (civil parish of Lajes), and Verdoso (civil parish of São João).
 
It also proposes to change the designation of four bathing waters with a view to their simplification.
 
Promoted by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, through the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, the public consultation is accessible at www.aguasbalneares.azores.gov.pt.
 
In order to participate in the public consultation on bathing waters, citizens may submit their contribution to the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs at Rua Cônsul Dabney, Colónia Alemã, Apartado 140, 9900-014 or, preferably, to the email [email protected].
 
After the technical assessment of all contributions, the identification of coastal bathing water for 2020 will be published in the Official Journal, including the duration of the bathing season of each beach area.
 
The identification of bathing waters is a guarantee of quality for beach users. Therefore, their inclusion in the official list should be based on a solid and consistent commitment to maintain the conditions for their use over the years, namely in terms of bathers' health and safety while ensuring the sustainability of natural systems.