Playa Jardín, one of the most iconic beaches in Puerto de la Cruz and on the north coast of Tenerife, has finally officially reopened for swimming after being closed for nearly a year due to safety and public health concerns.
The beach was shut to bathers on 3rd July 2024 following the detection of high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterial indicator of faecal contamination. Since then, a series of technical interventions, inspections, and administrative actions have been carried out to address the underlying issues.
Intensive Works and Water Quality Monitoring
From mid-December 2024, two cycles of intensive cleaning and civil engineering works were conducted on the sewage and stormwater systems in the nearby Punta Brava area. These actions aimed to eliminate uncontrolled discharges into the sea and improve wastewater treatment ahead of its arrival at the regional wastewater treatment plant (EDAR).
Since February, the Public Health Department has carried out approximately 50 water quality tests (two per week) with 20 consecutive samples meeting legal safety standards, paving the way for the beach's safe reopening.
VIDEO: Beach reopens as the red flag changes to yellow and barriers are removed after nearly a year.
In addition, a €2 million upgrade has been completed at the EDAR in the Orotava Valley, introducing a tertiary treatment system capable of processing around 7,000 cubic metres of water per day. This represents roughly a quarter of the plant’s total flow and helps supply regenerated water for agricultural use in surrounding areas.
The source of the contamination was traced to cracks in the Punta Brava outfall pipe and illegal discharges from properties not connected to the municipal sewer network. Local and regional authorities have invested a combined €28 million in improving the outfall, expanding the treatment plant, and upgrading the sanitation network.
While the beach's reopening is positive, both officials and campaigners agree that continued investment and oversight are essential to prevent future closures and protect public health.
