Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Mexican Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has released its annual water quality assessment of 289 beaches across the country, declaring 283 suitable for recreational use during the 2024 winter holiday season.
This comprehensive analysis, conducted in collaboration with the National Network of Public Health Laboratories, involved testing 2,362 seawater samples between November and early December. The primary focus was to ensure the safety and well-being of both tourists and residents enjoying coastal areas during the holiday period.
While the vast majority of beaches passed inspection, six locations were found to exceed acceptable levels of enterococci bacteria, posing a potential health risk. These bacteria can cause various infections, including skin, eye, ear, and respiratory illnesses.
Unfortunately, Puerto Vallarta’s “Oasis” beach, locally known as “Holi,” has once again been included in this list. This beach, situated between the Pitillal River and the northern hotel zone, continues to suffer from pollution due to untreated wastewater discharges from nearby residential areas. Despite ongoing efforts, municipal authorities have yet to find a permanent solution to this persistent problem.
Other beaches deemed unsuitable for recreational use include Rosarito Beach and Rosarito I Beach in Baja California, Tijuana Beach and Tijuana I Beach in Baja California, and Icacos Beach in Acapulco, Guerrero. Tijuana Beach recorded the highest level of enterococci, with a concerning 3,609 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water.
Cofepris strongly encourages the public to review the official list of approved beaches before engaging in any water activities during the holiday season, which commenced on December 19th and will conclude on January 9th, 2025. This proactive measure will help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience for all.
