The waters at Es Pouet beach in Sant Antoni have been confirmed as suitable for bathing following the unusual water discharge recorded on September 1.

The latest laboratory analyses found negative results for both E. coli and intestinal enterococci, the two key microbiological indicators used to assess the sanitary quality of bathing water.

The results confirm that the water did not show evidence of fecal contamination at levels that would have compromised bathing conditions.

Water Came From the Stormwater Network

The incident initially raised concerns after water was seen flowing towards the beach.

Sant Antoni Town Hall and the company responsible for the municipal water service, Facsa, investigated the source on the same day.

Their checks concluded that the water came from the stormwater drainage network rather than the wastewater system.

A conductivity measurement of 526 microsiemens per centimetre supported that conclusion. Municipal authorities state that wastewater normally records values between around 3,000 and 5,000 microsiemens.

The discharge was therefore attributed to rainwater runoff rather than a sewage leak.

Preventive Samples Were Taken

Although authorities did not consider it necessary to close the beach or prohibit bathing, water samples were taken from the bathing area as a precaution.

The reason was that rainwater runoff can pick up contaminants as it travels through urban areas before reaching the sea.

Those samples have now returned negative results for E. coli and enterococci.

The findings provide additional confirmation that the incident did not result in fecal contamination of the bathing area.

Earlier Concerns Over a Possible Sewage Discharge

The September 1 incident had generated concern locally after the water was initially described as a possible sewage discharge.

The municipality rejected that explanation after its technical checks identified the source as stormwater.

The latest laboratory results now reinforce the municipal position that the bathing water remained suitable.

The same conclusion was also reached following another discharge reported at Es Pouet on August 17, when subsequent testing did not indicate wastewater contamination.

Municipality Questions Independent Sampling Procedure

The latest confirmation has also renewed a disagreement with environmental group Salvem sa Badia.

Sant Antoni Town Hall has said it does not dispute the results of the samples obtained by the group, but has questioned the procedure used to collect them and the location from which they were taken.

The municipality says official bathing-water samples are collected by authorised personnel at designated points established by the health authorities.

It argues that this standardised procedure is important when determining whether a bathing area should be closed or remain open.

Beach Was Never Closed

Despite the initial concern, the beach remained open throughout the episode.

Municipal lifeguards followed the relevant protocol and informed beach users while the source of the water was being investigated.

Authorities determined that only a minimal amount of water reached the bathing area and that there was no confirmed contamination requiring a swimming ban.

The latest laboratory results support that decision.

Environmental Monitoring Continues

Sant Antoni says it maintains regular monitoring of bathing-water quality throughout the season.

The municipality also points to its environmental management certifications, including EMAS and ISO 14001, which involve procedures for monitoring and improving environmental management.

The aim is to identify potential problems quickly and take preventive action when an incident occurs.

Es Pouet Remains Suitable for Bathing

With the latest analyses showing negative results for E. coli and enterococci, the September 1 incident has now been formally followed by laboratory confirmation that the bathing water at Es Pouet was suitable.

The episode nevertheless highlights why unusual discharges after rainfall can quickly raise concerns, particularly in densely developed coastal areas.

In this case, investigations identified stormwater rather than sewage as the source, while the subsequent water-quality testing found no evidence of fecal contamination.

For residents and visitors using Es Pouet, the latest results provide reassurance that the bathing area remained safe following the incident.