Santa Catarina state authorities reported a slight decline in beach water quality as the summer season winds down, with 31.92% of monitored points deemed unsuitable for swimming, according to a report released Friday by the Instituto do Meio Ambiente (IMA).
The latest assessment, based on samples collected February 23rd and 24th, identified 83 points as “impróprios” – unsuitable for bathing – compared to 76 in the previous report. 177 of the 259 points monitored along the Santa Catarina coastline were classified as “próprios” – suitable for bathing, representing 68.08% of locations.
The decline reverses a recent trend of improving water quality, according to the IMA. The previous report indicated 70% of monitored beaches were safe for swimming.
Florianópolis, the state capital, also experienced a slight deterioration. Of the 88 points analyzed in the city, 60 are currently considered safe, although 28 are not, a decrease from 61 points deemed suitable in the prior assessment.
Despite the overall decline, several beaches maintained excellent water quality. All points on Praia de Piçarras in Balneário Piçarras were classified as suitable for bathing, as were all points on Barra da Lagoa, Daniela, Joaquina, and Praia de Balneário in Florianópolis. Praia do Sonho in Palhoça also met the standards for safe swimming.
Points identified as unsuitable include areas of Guarda do Embaú in Palhoça, Praia de São Miguel in Biguaçu, and Praia de Bombinhas in Bombinhas. Specific locations within Canasvieiras and Praia dos Ingleses in Florianópolis also registered poor water quality.
The IMA report detailed shifts in water quality at specific locations. Seventeen points transitioned from “próprio” to “impróprio,” while ten points improved from “impróprio” to “próprio.”
Water quality is determined by measuring levels of Escherichia coli bacteria. Points are considered suitable for bathing when 80% or more of samples collected over the previous five weeks contain no more than 800 E. Coli per 100 milliliters of water. Points are deemed unsuitable if more than 20% of samples exceed this threshold, or if the most recent sample contains more than 2000 E. Coli per 100 milliliters.
The Instituto do Meio Ambiente de Santa Catarina (IMA) can be contacted at Rodovia Virgílio Várzea, n° 529, Bairro Monte Verde, Florianópolis-SC, with a phone number of (48) 3665-4190. The Instituto do Meio Ambiente de Balneário Piçarras (IMP) can be reached at Avenida Emanuel Pinto, Nº 1655, Centro, Balneário Piçarras/SC, with a phone number of (47) 3347-4747.
