The initiative arises in response to contamination incidents that led to the closure of beaches along the Costa del Sol during the summer. The new commission will include representatives from municipalities such as Malaga, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Marbella, Mijas, and Fuengirola, alongside regional government officials.
With bi-monthly meetings, this task force will be responsible for monitoring water quality, investigating the causes of contamination, and optimizing the response to future incidents. The goal is to tackle the problem at its source, acknowledging the need to improve sewage and wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Last summer, tests detected elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli), a bacteria associated with fecal contamination, which resulted in the closure of several beaches. The Andalusian government has stated that regular inspections are already carried out, but the new commission aims for more proactive action.
Seventy-five sewage and water treatment projects are planned across the province of Malaga, including a €1.3 billion scheme to enhance the Costa del Sol's sewage network. These efforts address the increasing pressure on water infrastructure due to population and tourism growth.
