São Paulo Coastline Faces Record Number of Polluted Beaches

The São Paulo coastline now holds a troubling record with 61 beaches deemed unsuitable for swimming, according to the latest weekly report from the São Paulo State Environmental Company (Cetesb).

This figure surpasses the previous high of 51, recorded earlier this month. The report highlights a growing concern over water quality, with only 114 beaches currently classified as safe.

This year has seen a steady increase in polluted beaches along the state’s coast. On January 2, Cetesb identified 38 unsafe beaches. That number rose to 43 by January 16 and slightly dropped to 42 on January 23 before reaching the current peak.

The data underscores a worsening trend that raises questions about environmental management and public health risks. Itanhaém leads the list of affected municipalities, with 11 out of its 12 monitored beach segments marked as unsafe.

Praia Grande follows closely, with seven out of 12 segments deemed unsuitable for swimming. Mongaguá fares even worse, as all seven of its monitored beaches fall into the polluted category.

Other impacted areas include Bertioga (six out of nine), Guarujá (six out of 12), and São Vicente (four out of six). Even popular tourist destinations like Ilhabela, São Sebastião, and Ubatuba report multiple unsafe beaches.

Environmental Concerns and the Call for Action

The issue gained heightened attention after a viral outbreak in Guarujá during New Year’s celebrations prompted scrutiny of water quality. Cetesb’s weekly assessments involve testing water samples from 175 coastal points across the state.

The primary metric for classification is fecal bacteria concentration, determined through laboratory analysis. Beaches can also be deemed unsafe due to oil spills, red tides, toxic algae blooms, or waterborne disease outbreaks.

The situation poses significant challenges for local authorities and communities reliant on tourism. It also highlights broader environmental issues tied to urban runoff and inadequate wastewater treatment.

While the data paints a grim picture, it serves as a call to action for more robust environmental policies and individual responsibility in preserving natural resources.