PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO — The Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks of Jalisco (Coprisjal) has confirmed that the beaches of Puerto Vallarta meet the water quality standards required for safe recreational use. A recent round of tests revealed that the region’s seawater contains acceptable levels of enterococci, aligning with the standards set by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
María Alina Quintero Ramírez, regional coordinator for Health Risk Protection at Sanitary Region VIII (Coprisjal), reported that all beaches in this tourist destination, including the previously affected Holi beach at the mouth of the Pitillal River, passed inspection. After failing previous tests, Holi beach is now in compliance with cleanliness norms.
“We have constant monitoring; we do weekly sampling,” said Quintero Ramírez. “With the holiday period approaching, we will increase that number to six monitoring sessions, beginning March 18, so we can guarantee that these waters are suitable for recreational use.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Upcoming Vacation Season
Coprisjal regularly takes samples from ten beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes—Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Ánimas, Mismaloya, Gemelas, Los Muertos, the mouth of the Cuale River–Olas Altas, Las Palmas, the mouth of the Pitillal River Oasis–Del Holi, and Camarones. According to Quintero Ramírez, the latest sampling in early February showed that all beaches, including Holi, are free of contamination concerns.
Under the Clean Beaches program, an interstate committee reviews test results and discusses action plans if an area exceeds safe levels of enterococci (200 or fewer per 100 milliliters of water). Currently, no local beaches exceed those limits.
Health Risks and Preventive Measures
Health officials emphasize that maintaining low levels of fecal contamination is critical in preventing diseases of the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive system. To ensure ongoing safety, Coprisjal will continue its increased sampling schedule ahead of the busy Easter and Holy Week vacation period.
The nationwide seawater monitoring program has been in place since 2003, and officials urge beachgoers to help maintain cleanliness by disposing of trash properly and avoiding any polluting activities. Coprisjal points out that storm drains, wastewater discharges, irregular settlements lacking sewage infrastructure, and a surge in the number of swimmers can impact water quality. Steps are being taken by various agencies to address these factors and uphold the region’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination.
For now, residents and tourists alike can enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s pristine shores, with the reassurance that local authorities are working diligently to keep the beaches clean and safe for everyone.
PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO — The Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks of Jalisco (Coprisjal) has confirmed that the beaches of Puerto Vallarta meet the water quality standards required for safe recreational use. A recent round of tests revealed that the region’s seawater contains acceptable levels of enterococci, aligning with the standards set by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
