AN investigation has revealed that raw sewage is being pumped into the sea near beaches popular with British holidaymakers.
Located off the shores of Nerja, three pipes located at Burriana Beach, Torrecilla Beach and near the Mario cliffs have been found to be dumping the waste into the sea.
Underwater video of the pipes revealed huge amounts of brown water being pumped into the sea, as well as visible lumps of waste.
The investigation by Guardia Civil found clumps of untreated sewage measuring 20 metres by three metres in the water, according to the Olive Press.
“Mountains” of wet wipes weighing more than nine tonnes were also found.
Water samples analysed by the Institute of Toxicology in Sevilla found there was a risk of gastroenteritis and skin infections because of the faecal matter.
Local officials are said to be under investigation following the revelation, according to Sur in English.
Tourists have previously complained about the beach and the sewage problem on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote last summer: “The whole time we were there the sea was inaccessible – there was a sewage problem, very noticeably.
“Locals are upset that nothing is being done to solve this reoccurring problem.”
Another said: “I found it difficult to believe that people were actually swimming there! The brown slicks are something of a giveaway!”
One tourist wrote: “Water looked clear but on closer inspection there was stringy brown bits all around Stayed out the water rest of week!”
Last year, tourists in Ibiza were forced to walk through sewage after a flooded system left poo and dead rats in the streets.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are among the parasites that you’re most likely to find in the water, Sun Online Travel previously reported.
The two bacteria are the leading causes of gastrointestinal illnesses.
