PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - With the onset of the summer holiday season, the Puerto Vallarta City Hall's Health Commission is stepping up to address concerns regarding the contamination of the popular Holi Beach, which last week was issued a warning as unsuitable for swimming.
"We understand that health matters primarily rest with the State, but the municipality has a role to play too," stated Candelaria Tovar, president of the Municipal Health Commission. "We plan to develop a comprehensive program to sanitize the beach, ensuring it meets the required standards for the many tourists hoping to enjoy its waters."
The call to action comes in the wake of a recent report by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), which revealed that Holi Beach is currently unfit for recreational activities. The commission discovered over 210 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water during its pre-holiday monitoring for summer 2023.
This pollution level has significantly exceeded the safety limit, causing Holi Beach to be one of the 14 beaches declared unfit for recreational activities out of the 289 assessed nationwide.
It is worth noting that the water testing was conducted following the commencement of the rainy season, a period when garbage accumulated along the Pitillal River is typically washed downstream to its mouth at Holi Beach.
In response to these concerning findings, COFEPRIS has announced plans to implement immediate sanitation measures aimed at restoring the beaches to optimal conditions. This action is intended to prevent any potential health risks for both Vallarta residents and tourists.
"Working in collaboration with jurisdiction heads, we aim to devise a robust strategy to handle the situation," added Tovar, affirming the municipal commission's commitment to improving the health and safety conditions of the city's beaches.
This initiative marks an essential step towards ensuring that Puerto Vallarta's beaches, known for their pristine beauty and tourist appeal, continue to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for both residents and visitors. As the clean-up operation begins, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and comply with health and safety guidelines.
