Newsroom / CNA
Authorities have advised the public to avoid swimming at Agia Varvara (Santa Barbara) beach in the coastal town of Agios Tychonas after water tests detected high levels of bacteria.
The warning follows routine sampling conducted under the Environment Department’s national monitoring program, which checks water quality at 130 designated swimming areas across the country. The program follows protocols set out in Cypriot law and in European Union directives, according to Environment Department Director Theodoulos Mesimeris.
Mesimeris told the Cyprus News Agency that initial laboratory results from samples taken in the area showed a high microbiological load. While he noted that swimming in the affected waters does not guarantee health problems, he urged people to avoid entering the sea at that location until further notice.
Following the detection, officials collected additional water samples on Saturday. Mesimeris said the samples require a 48-hour incubation period to determine whether the bacteria remain at elevated levels. Authorities plan to release updated results once testing is complete.
The environmental chief described the contamination as “localized” and expressed confidence that the sea’s natural circulation and self-cleaning processes will reduce the bacterial levels within several days.
Public notifications and signage are part of the official protocol when bacterial readings exceed recommended thresholds. Mesimeris said this process has been activated for Agia Varvara beach until the new results are available.
