The list containing the bathing waters to be identified in the Azores in 2019 is under public consultation until January 31. This public consultation arises under the regional legislation and aims to provide citizens with the opportunity to express their opinions, suggestions, complaints and comments on this matter.
Next year's proposal expects to maintain the seventy coastal bathing areas identified in the archipelago in 2018 as well as the identification of eight new coastal bathing waters, all located in the municipality of Lajes do Pico.
The Regional Director for Sea Affairs stated that "the identification of bathing waters is a guarantee of quality for beach users."
In this regard, Filipe Porteiro defended that the inclusion of bathing waters in the official list should be based on a "solid and consistent commitment to maintain the conditions for its use over the years, namely in terms of bathers' health and safety and the sustainability of natural systems."
Promoted by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, through the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs, the public consultation is accessible at the address www.aguasbalneares.azores.gov.pt.
In order to participate in the public consultation on bathing waters, citizens may submit their contribution to the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs at Rua Cônsul Dabney, Colónia Alemã, Apartado 140, 9900-014 or, preferably, to the email [email protected].
After the technical assessment of all contributions, the identification of coastal bathing water for 2019 will be published in the Official Journal, including the duration of the bathing season of each beach area.