ARCHIVED - Javea beach on the Costa Blanca given the all-clear after closure due to faecal contamination

Arenal beach in the Marina Alta region of Alicante province was closed to bathers following sewage spillage

Arenal beach in Javea has been reopened to bathers two days after it was closed due to faecal contamination following a sewage spill into the water.

Analysis carried out by the Bathing Water Quality Control Programee confirmed "an episode of faecal contamination" on Monday July 25, and the council instructed both the local police and lifeguard service to enforce the closure.

The red flag was hoisted on Tuesday and bathers were warned of the potential health risk over a loudspeaker to stop people entering the sea.

Further water samples were taken every half an hour and the regional body has now described the episode as "short-lived", basically a one-off event.

"Analyses carried out on July 27 confirmed all traces of spillage have disappeared and the water is once again suitable for swimming," it said.

As soon as written authorisation was received, the Town Hall "immediately" gave instructions to reopen the beach to bathers.

The lifeguards raised the green flag again on Thursday July 28 and the beach is "gradually returning to normal", according to the local council.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to bathers and users of the Arenal during the two days that the beach was closed, as well as the negative impact on the tourist image of Javea," said the Town Hall in a statement, adding that it "reserves the right to take the necessary action to clarify what happened".

The spillage was caused by a broken marine outfall which reportedly ruptured in April.

Ecologists in Action Marina Alta (EAMA) has been warning for weeks that the damaged outfall could cause sewage contamination.

"The current situation is unhealthy and unhygienic, both from the point of view of democratic and public health. Russian roulette is being played with the health of citizens," the group warned last week.

Now read: Hollywood A-Lister Matt Damon enjoys Spanish break in Javea on the Costa Blanca

Image: Ayuntamiento de Javea