Monaco’s bathing waters are being closely monitored throughout the summer, with regular testing designed to ensure swimmers can continue to enjoy the Mediterranean safely…
Every Monday morning, teams from the Department of the Environment head out aboard a Maritime Affairs vessel to collect samples from the Principality’s supervised bathing areas. Testing takes place once or twice each week during the bathing season, with six samples collected during each operation.
Using specialist equipment, technicians record the water’s temperature, pH and salinity to assess the overall condition of the marine environment. Samples are then taken back to the laboratory for microbiological analysis in accordance with European standards.
Scientists specifically look for bacteria including Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, which can indicate contamination and, at sufficiently high concentrations, potentially pose a risk to human health. If established limits were exceeded, a bathing area could be temporarily closed.
Heavy rainfall can occasionally affect water quality through discharges, although officials say such incidents are extremely rare and Monaco’s bathing waters are generally of very good quality.
Laboratory analysis takes around a day, meaning the first results from Monday morning’s samples are normally available on Tuesday. The tests may be serious, but the reward is simple; another summer of swimming in Monaco!
Image: Monaco Info