In Matosinhos (Porto, Portugal), the local Surfrider Porto group has raised the alarm over bacterial pollution at the beach.
In tests carried out by Surfrider at the mouth of the Ribeira da Riguinha river, E. coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria exceeded the limits set by the European Bathing Water Directive in 96% of samples (average for E. coli: 20,000 units/100 ml, compared to a maximum limit of 1,000 units/100 ml in the directive). Surfers and bathers are at risk of diarrhoea, ear infections or serious illnesses.
Surfrider Foundation Europe supports this campaign to restore good water quality at this site and improve access to information for the public.
Our actions
- “Progress on water quality at Matosinhos beaches, but urgent action is still needed”
- Instagram post by the Porto local group: Instagram
- Find the results of the water samples on the Instagram page of the Surfrider Porto local group. (Regular samples, taken by a certified independent laboratory, from the river and the sea (surfing area).)
- Page dedicated to water quality in Matosinhos (Surfrider Portugal):
The case
Matosinhos beach is known locally for its incredible waves, but the water quality is poor, and many surfers and swimmers fall ill after going in the water. Considering this reputation, Surfrider Porto launched an independent monitoring programme in September 2023, confirming chronic bacterial pollution, despite official results classifying the water at Matosinhos beach as ‘acceptable’ in 2023. From 2024 until the present day, it has been classified by the authorities as ‘poor’.
The Defenders:
Surfrider Porto is mobilising its volunteers to carry out regular water sampling and is in constant dialogue with the local council and the authorities responsible for water quality. The group also relies on the many surfing-related organisations based in the area, which are concerned about water quality at this site: local surf shops and schools.
Environnemental issue
High levels of bacterial pollution are flowing into the Ribeira da Riguinha river before reaching the sea. This pollution stems from numerous sources, the respective shares of responsibility for which have yet to be determined: overflowing sewage systems, the discharge of domestic wastewater directly into the environment, and agricultural practices upstream in the catchment area… These regular exceedances of regulatory limits for bacterial pollutants cause diarrhea, ear infections or serious infections, particularly in children and vulnerable people. Official monitoring is limited to the summer, missing the winter peaks, and measures to inform the public remain relatively limited (installation of information boards in June 2025).
Our demand
We call for the restoration of good water quality at this site and better public information:
- Year-round monitoring of water quality at more strategic points, with a view to identifying sources of pollution.
- We also wish to see greater involvement of local organisations in the dialogue on water quality, with the organisation of round-table discussions involving these organisations and enabling the monitoring of the implementation of plans to combat current pollution