Malta`s seas get clean bill of health

Despite all the reports about polluted beaches last year, a government study released yesterday concludes that Malta`s seas in fact fully complied with the criteria set by the Barcelona Convention in terms water quality.

At a news conference to launch the results, Health Minister Louis Deguara was evidently happy with the findings and said that the report should silence claims that Malta`s seas were contaminated with sewage.

The report, `Bathing water quality - report 2001`, was drawn up by the environmental health unit and the department of public health.

Samples were taken from the 87 most frequented bathing sites in Malta and Gozo and the water was analysed for microbes, especially related to drainage.

Weekly monitoring was carried out between the third week of May and third week of October last year.

During this period, 2,995 routine samples and 110 non-routine samples were collected.

The samples were analysed for faecal coliform bacteria (a group of microbes used as an indicator of sewage pollution) on a once weekly basis.

Sites found to be temporarily unfit for bathing were monitored on a daily basis, and the situation was brought to the attention of the relevant authority.

For one to fail the criteria set by the Barcelona Convention, the faecal coliform counts have to exceed 1,000 per 100 ml (rated as `Class 3`).

No fewer than 83 per cent of samples had between 0 to 10ml of faecal coliforms, 13 per cent between 11 and 100ml, and 3.2 per cent between 101 and 1,000ml.

Just 0.8 per cent of the samples had faecal coliform counts of more than 1,000ml - thus falling short of the convention limits.

In similar studies in 1999 and 2000, four per cent and two per cent of all samples had fallen into a Class 3 category.

In addition, for the first time eight sandy beaches were identified for a pilot programme of monitoring enteroviruses, low concentrations of which can pose potential health risks in the form of polio, hepatitis and gastroenteritis.

Ten-litre samples were collected from each beach and sent to a public health laboratory in the UK. No enteroviruses were detected in any of the samples.

The report says there was a total of 56 days on which bathing was temporarily not recommended during the last bathing season. More than half these days were because of a drainage overflow in the St Paul`s Bay/Bugibba area.

Dr Deguara said the results should silence all those that had expressed misconceptions last year, since not only had the waters proven to be safe, but they demonstrated the best quality for the last three years.

In certain areas, the temporary closure of beaches due to contamination fears was last year at an all-time low, he said.

The health ministry, through the Public Health Department, is responsible for monitoring the water quality for swimming purposes as well as swimming pools.

Despite the results, Dr Deguara urged people to avoid bathing in the inner harbour region and marinas where water circulation was poor.

Aware that Malta`s seas were under a constant spotlight, Dr Deguara said the public health department would be monitoring the seas regularly from May 20, and would be keeping the public informed about the water quality.

In addition, as of this year, the local councils will be regularly advised about any developments.

The parliamentary secretary in the Home Affairs Ministry, George Pullicino, stressed that the necessary precautions were being taken to treat sewage to ensure minimal damage to the surrounding seas.

The public may also call on tel. 21827146 for information on the quality of sea water.