Additional sea-quality surveys have been arranged on the beaches of the country.

Rijeka has agreed to conduct additional testing of sea water quality on the beaches of Kantrida-East and Kantrida-West from July 20 to September 30. The decision was made in collaboration with the Public Health School of the Primorsko-Goranska County, following recent findings indicating increased microbial contamination. The last measurements showed a decline in water quality, with levels of Escherichia coli bacteria significantly elevated, leading to a reduction in the overall rating from “good” to “satisfactory.” The testing will employ rapid tests designed to assess microbial load in the water. These tests aim to detect increases in bacterial and microorganism concentrations linked to gastrointestinal infections, skin, eye, ear, and respiratory illnesses, which pose risks particularly to immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly. The goal is to identify short-term microbial incidents and sudden changes in water quality almost in real-time, enabling timely warnings to swimmers about heightened microbial risk. This system will also serve as a basis for developing a predictive model of seawater quality and an operational risk management system. The introduction of this additional rapid testing system does not eliminate the cause of pollution, but it enables prompt information and warning to citizens about increased microbial risk, thus contributing to reducing potential health risks for swimmers. The implementation itself represents an advanced standard in measuring and determining timely results of seawater quality. The city will provide real-time updates to residents regarding measurement results and recommendations for action based on these findings. Given that the swimming season is ongoing and considering the public interest of citizens, especially in protecting health and safety, and given that the latest measurements have shown increased microbial contamination that could not be predicted due to earlier positive results, it is desirable to ensure the provision of this service as soon as possible, according to the Social Policy, Health, and Welfare Department. The city will allocate approximately 50,000 euros for these additional water samples. The area of Kantrida is considered one of the most sensitive urban bathing areas, characterized by a high number of coastal sources through which contaminants, along with direct drainage of rainwater into the sea, intensify the transfer of pollution originating from underground waters due to inadequate drainage of rainfall and waste waters in this part of the city. Additionally, some sources of pollution come from individual entities that have not yet connected to the public sewerage system and are located directly on the coast or within the catchment areas of coastal springs that flow into these locations. Meanwhile, in Kostrena, the third annual water quality testing on the beaches of Svežanj, Nova Voda, Perilo, and Klančić was conducted on Tuesday, July 7. Although new contaminations were not confirmed, swimming on the beaches in Podurinj is still not recommended, according to the latest monitoring carried out by the Public Health School of the Primorsko-Goranska County. On the beach of Klančić, no pollutants were detected during this test, but swimming is still discouraged due to their chronic presence in previous tests. The testing did not include the beach of Podkvarovo, but due to previously recorded concentrations of hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons, swimming there is still not advised. Other parameters tested do not indicate marine water contamination. The Municipality of Kostrena has ordered continuous monitoring of seawater quality on its beaches this year. Monitoring takes place twice monthly along the coastline of the municipality, collecting samples at four positions on the beaches from the Podurinj Luka to the Dražica Bay: Podkvarovo or Klančić, Perilo near Old Water, Spužvina or New Water, and Svežanj. The Svežanj bay has been selected as the reference station. In the latest test, excellent water quality was found for all four locations, and chemical parameters on all beaches did not deviate from typical values for seawater. All measured indicators did not suggest marine water contamination.