SWIMMERS have been banned from the water at five beaches in Cadiz after routine tests detected dangerous levels of faecal bacteria.

The Junta ordered the closures yesterday after finding high concentrations of E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

It marks the latest in a string of similar contamination incidents that have plagued Spain’s coastlines this summer.

The affected swimming spots on the Costa de la Luz include Aculadero-Puerto Sherry and Fuentebravia, both in El Puerto de Santa Maria.

Bathing is also strictly prohibited at Micaela beach in Chipiona, La Cachucha in Puerto Real and Punta Candor in Rota.

Local councils have been ordered to erect warning signs at all beach access points to inform the public of the health risk.

The closures will remain in force until new water samples confirm the source of the pollution has been fixed and the water is safe.

At Aculadero-Puerto Sherry, La Cachucha and Micaela, tests revealed elevated levels of both E. coli and enterococci.

Fuentebravia exceeded the safety limits for enterococci, while Punta Candor failed due to the presence of E. coli.

The regional health ministry conducts fortnightly checks on water quality across 304 bathing areas between June 1 and September 30.

It comes after a series of Malaga beaches were closed this month for the same reason.

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