Western Beach is subject to discharges of sewage from a storm water drain from La Linea. In order to monitor and provide the public with information on the quality of the bathing water the Environmental Agency samples the water 3 times a week i.e. 6 times the recommended sampling period stipulated in the EU Bathing Water directive.

The latest result taken on the 11th July 2013 has failed to meet the EU bathing water mandatory standards and Government in meeting its requirements under the Environment (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations 2009 has therefore prohibited bathing.

The established bathing water protocol has been activated and samples will be taken on a daily basis until the quality of bathing water meets EU standards at which time the public will be informed that bathing is permitted.

The existing yellow flag has been changed to red and the plate on the notice board at the official point of entry to the beach has also been changed to red meaning “Bathing water fails to meet EU standards. Bathing not allowed”.

The bathing water quality sampling results will be published on the Environmental Agency website: http://www.environmental-agency.gi/beachresult.php?beachid=6

The public are also advised to check the notice board that is permanently displayed at the official point of entry to the beach where the latest results of the bathing water programme are displayed.

The Government will inform the public as soon as levels decrease and bathing at the Beach can recommence.

Further information can also be obtained by calling the Environmental Agency on tel:20070620 or by contacting the duty officer through the Royal Gibraltar Police on tel:20072500 after hours.