Local Police officers are currently at the premises conducting the necessary investigations. Initial indications suggest the incident may have been intentional, part of a viral trend known on social media as the 'brown challenge'.
This challenge involves defecating in public pools or introducing substances with high bacterial loads to force closure, often with the act being recorded. The phenomenon has intensified this year, with detections of human excrement and elevated levels of bacteria like E. coli. In 2025, similar patterns were observed in over 300 municipal pools across Spain.
Each incident triggers strict sanitary emergency protocols: immediate evacuation, sealing off the area, and costly cleaning procedures such as hyperchlorination or complete pool drainage. Water analysis to confirm the absence of health risks typically takes 24 to 48 hours, during which the facility remains closed to the public.
In response to the proliferation of these cases, city councils are increasing penalties. Spanish regulations classify this practice as a serious or very serious infraction against public health, with fines generally ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 euros, though some municipalities may impose fines up to 5,000 or even 20,000 euros.
The City Council has strongly condemned these acts, which endanger public health, harm all users, and disrupt an essential municipal service. The facilities in Lopera will remain closed until the rigorous cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation protocols required by health regulations are fully completed. The council has appealed for civic responsibility and respect for public services, apologizing for the inconvenience caused to residents.
