The Environmental Health Directorate declared that swimmers have been advised to stay away from the seas around the Qawra Palace Hotel after foul water was discovered.
The authority confirmed that the source of the contamination had been “identified and rectified” but offered no information on its source. Environmental Health Officers are still monitoring the area, noting that the length of the pollution “remains uncertain.”
Whether the Qawra Palace Hotel itself was associated with the contamination or if any enforcement action against those responsible was undertaken is unknown. Stopping short of identifying possible polluters, the Directorate begs questions of accountability.
Until further notice, beachgoers were urged to avoid the afflicted section of water. Authorities stated updates would be made available while testing goes on.
The case increases already present worries about the coastal water quality of Malta during the height of the summer season, when thousands of visitors and residents flock to well-known swimming areas.
