Intense discussion has been sparked by the new research by PAKOE (Panhellenic Center for Ecological Research) regarding the quality of bathing waters on the beaches of Attica, a few days before the peak of the summer exodus of bathers.
The sampling results bring to the forefront areas with increased microbial load, at a time when Greece continues to record high performances in international evaluations for Blue Flag beaches. This contrast has opened a new discussion about the different evaluation criteria and measurement methods.
The areas characterized as unsuitable
According to PAKOE's measurements, the most burdened area is Porto Rafti, where five of the six sampling points were deemed unsuitable for swimming due to high microbial load. Only Avlaki beach appears suitable.
Similar problems are also identified along the coastline from Thymari to Lavrio, where the following points are characterized as unsuitable:
- Palaia Fokaia
- Legraina
- Sounio
- Asimaki
- Pountazeza
- Mavri Petra
- Daskaleio (the 1st and 3rd small harbors and the central beach are unsuitable)
At the same time, according to the same research, problems are also recorded on beaches of Peiraiki, Freattyda, Flisvos, Loumbarda as well as at points in Anavyssos.
Special mention is also made of areas such as Sounio, Artemida (Loutsa), Zouberi and Nea Makri, where variations are recorded depending on the sampling point.
Which beaches are considered suitable
In the same research, PAKOE also records a series of beaches that are within the permitted limits and are considered suitable for swimming.
Among them are:
- Thymari
- Charakas
- Mati
- Zouberi
- two points in Nea Makri
- Marathonas
- Schinias
Several organized beaches on the southern coastal front of Attica also appear suitable, such as:
- Batis
- EDEM
- Alimos
- Glyfada
- Voula
- Vouliagmeni
- Varkiza
One of the main questions arising from the results is how two beaches that are very close to each other can present a completely different picture in terms of water quality.
SOURCE: ERT