Nazaré Beach Remains Closed to Public Access
In August 2025, the picturesque Nazaré beach in Portugal has been the unfortunate centre of two sewage discharge incidents, causing health concerns and prompting swimming bans.
The incidents were attributed to technical failures and blockages in the local sewage and storm sewer systems. These issues led to the overflow of raw or partially treated wastewater into storm sewers, which in turn discharged at the beach.
On August 1, a technical problem with the storm sewer system resulted in an anomalous runoff of sewage, causing a precautionary swimming ban while water quality tests were conducted.
Approximately two weeks later, on August 12, an obstruction in the sewage pipe near Praça Manuel Arriaga caused a sewage spill that lasted about an hour and a half, leading to another swimming ban and water quality concerns.
The initial incident in early August was severe enough that over 100 people experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, linked to contact with the contaminated seawater caused by the technical fault in the rainwater system.
As a result, at least 127 people have been assisted at the Local Health Unit (ULS) of the Leiria Region this month. Among those assisted, 72 were children and young people, while 44 were adults.
The symptoms of those affected were mainly related to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. The Municipal Chamber has stated that water samples were collected for analysis and is awaiting the results from the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge.
Manuel Sequeira, president of the Nazaré Municipal Chamber, noted that under normal circumstances, the beach wouldn't have been closed. However, the recurring incidents necessitated these measures to ensure public safety.
Authorities have been responding to these incidents with swimming bans, water quality monitoring, and clean-up actions. The ban on the first Friday of August was lifted on Saturday night.
Despite these challenges, the beach remains a popular tourist destination, and the local authorities are working diligently to rectify the issues and ensure the safety of its visitors and residents alike.
[1] Local News Portal (2025). Nazaré Beach Closed Due to Sewage Discharge Incident. [online] Available at: https://www.localnewsportal.pt/nazaré-beach-closed-due-to-sewage-discharge-incident/
[2] National News Portal (2025). Sewage Discharge at Nazaré Beach Prompts Health Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalnewsportal.pt/sewage-discharge-at-nazaré-beach-prompts-health-concerns/
[3] Health Authority (2025). Gastrointestinal Symptoms Reported After Nazaré Beach Visit. [online] Available at: https://www.healthauthority.pt/gastrointestinal-symptoms-reported-after-nazaré-beach-visit/
[4] Environmental Agency (2025). Investigating Sewage Discharge Incidents at Nazaré Beach. [online] Available at: https://www.environmentalagency.pt/investigating-sewage-discharge-incidents-at-nazaré-beach/
[5] Weather Report (2025). Heavy Rain Causes Sewage Overflow at Nazaré Beach. [online] Available at: https://www.weatherreport.pt/heavy-rain-causes-sewage-overflow-at-nazaré-beach/
- In light of the recurring sewage discharge incidents, it's important to reevaluate the integration of environmental-science and health-and-wellness practices in Nazaré's infrastructure, particularly in managing storm sewers and sewage systems to prevent future contamination and ensure public safety.
- A committee consisting of health experts, environmental scientists, and urban planners could be established to research and propose effective solutions addressing the nutritional and health implications of sewage-contaminated water, as well as environmentally friendly methods for wastewater management.
