The Regional Director for Sea Affairs announced that the archipelago of the Azores will have "70 identified bathing water in 2017, six more than last year," adding that "the newly distinguished bathing water are located on the island of Pico."
"The identification of bathing water is a guarantee of quality to the European Commission," said Filipe Porteiro. He noted that the inclusion of bathing waters in the official list must be guided by "a strong and consistent commitment to maintain the conditions of use over the years, particularly in terms of health and safety of beach users.”
The data now released arise from a public consultation of the list of coastal bathing areas to be identified each bathing season, corresponding to those that are widely used. This initiative is organised by the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology, through the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, on an annual basis
The department received eight contributions concerning five islands, namely the satisfaction with the identification of six new bathing waters proposed by the municipality of Madalena: Baixas, Barca, Cais do Mourato, Criação Velha, Pocinho and São Mateus.
As these areas are used by a significant number of people for bathing purposes, it is necessary to improve their management with the aim of promoting human health based on the quality of bathing water.
Following the technical assessment of all contributions received, which includes the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS), the identification of coastal bathing water is approved by ordinance issued by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology. It is published in the Official Journal by March 31 with a notice indicating the duration of the bathing season of identified bathing waters.
This year, it is expected that São Miguel will be the island with the highest number of identified bathing waters, a total of 24. It will be followed by Terceira, with 15, and Pico, with 11.
There are six identified bathing waters on Faial, four on Graciosa and Santa Maria, three on São Jorge, two on Flores and one on Corvo.
"As for all islands of the archipelago, the bathing waters located in the main beach areas will be duly identified and monitored," said the Regional Director for Sea Affairs.
By January 31, all citizens and interested entities sent their input or suggestions on the 2017 bathing season in the Azores, through an address created for this purpose: www.aguasbalneares.azores.gov.pt.