34 beaches in the Northern Basque Country closed on Thursday because of the increase in pollution. Further water tests will be carried out on Friday and depending on the results of the tests it will be decided whether the beaches should remain closed.
Torrential rains have been responsible for the increase in the level of pollution. When torrential rains fall into very dry land, the soil cannot absorb all the water, so contaminated water reaches the sea. In addition, the overflow of several water treatment plants has also caused pollution.
Due to improved water conditions, several beaches of Biarritz, Bidartea and Anglet have been opened on Friday morning. The beaches ranging from Hendaia to San Juan de Luz are still closed.