Sewage leak prompts swimming ban at Sliema's Chalet, Qui si Sana area
Contamination traced to faulty drainage system in private property
Swimming is being temporarily discouraged near the Chalet area on Tower Road, Sliema, due to sewage percolating into the sea, the Environmental Health Directorate said on Wednesday.
In a statement, the directorate said the foul water could affect bathing water quality and "pose a health risk to swimmers".
Temporary warning signs have been posted in the affected area which extends from near the Sliema Waterpolo Pitch to the opposite end of the bay in Qui si Sana.
An investigation carried out by environmental health officials, with assistance from the Water Services Corporation’s Waste Water Unit, traced the source of the contamination to a faulty drainage system in a nearby private establishment.
The Directorate said they will continue to monitor the situation and follow up on the case.
The ban will remain in place until water quality is confirmed to be safe. Once resolved, the signage will be removed and a follow-up statement will be issued to inform the public that the area is once again safe for bathing, the EHD said.
For more information, the public may contact the Environmental Health Directorate on 2133 7333 during office hours (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) or email wrau.ehd@gov.mt.