Alagoas Coastline: 10 Beach Sections Unsuitable for Swimming, 7 in Maceió

Ten sections of Alagoas' coastline have been declared unsuitable for swimming, according to a water quality report released by the Alagoas Environmental Institute (IMA) on Tuesday, July 21. The capital city, Maceió, accounts for seven of these problematic locations. Two other unsuitable spots were identified in Maragogi, along the North Coast, and one in Rio Niquim, in Barra de São Miguel, on the South Coast. The survey analyzed a total of 68 points between July 20 and 21, with 58 deemed safe for swimming. The list of unsuitable areas in Maceió includes Praia da Avenida, Praia da Pajuçara (at two locations), Praia da Ponta Verde (at two locations), Praia da Jatiúca, and Rio Pratagy. In Maragogi, two sections of Praia de Maragogi were flagged, and in Barra de São Miguel, Rio Niquim near its mouth was identified. The classification is based on the presence of Escherichia coli bacteria. A section is considered unsuitable if the most recent sample exceeds 2,000 bacteria per 100 milliliters, or if at least 80% of samples over five weeks surpass 800 bacteria per 100 milliliters. IMA advises swimmers to avoid areas near rivers, canals, and streams, especially within 24 hours after rainfall, and to refrain from ingesting seawater, urging extra caution for children.