Beaches in Alboraya (Valencia) shut down due to waste releases

The Alboraya Town Council is facing a challenge as its Port Saplaya beach remains closed for the fifth consecutive day due to water pollution of residual origin. This unfortunate incident has occurred during the peak bathing season, causing frustration among the town's residents.

The source of the pollution is believed to be a discharge of wastewater. An investigation is underway to determine the exact source, with possibilities pointing towards the sewer network or nearby irrigation channels due to recent rains.

In an effort to tackle this issue, the Town Council has collaborated with the "Agencia Valenciana de Seguridad y Respuesta a las Emergencias" (Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response) and the Ministry of Environment. The latter is responsible for taking samples in 300 bathing areas within its plan when a beach is closed.

The Town Council has also increased the number of control points for discharges throughout the municipal term last summer, and control points have been installed in irrigation channels and beaches to deter those responsible for discharges.

In a proactive move, the Town Council is preparing specific measures to avoid future beach closures. One such measure is the Peixets Agricultural Park project, which is awaiting the green light from Costas. The artificial wetland in this park is expected to clean the waters.

Moreover, the municipal budget for 2025 includes a project to divert the Mortera irrigation channel to the Mar irrigation channel, which could potentially help in managing and preventing such incidents in the future.

The Town Council has demanded a solution from the Generalitat and the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces to stop the discharges that cause beach closures. They are also set to receive a grant from IVACE to acquire and install stations to control discharges in the industrial estate.

Amidst these efforts, the mayor, Miguel Chavarría, stated that the Town Council works hard all year to prevent its economy from being affected by having to pay for issues that originate "upstream". He also mentioned that the Town Council has implemented various initiatives to end the problem, which exceeds its competencies and affects several municipalities.

The Town Council is hopeful that the beach will reopen soon, but new samples will be taken and in an exhaustive manner before confirming the reopening. Until then, they urge the public to stay patient and follow the safety guidelines.