Malaga Beach closed again after fresh sewage spill hits Guadalmar

Residents in the Guadalmar area between Malaga and Torremolinos were furious on Saturday, May 30, as the local police were called in again to close the beach and bar swimming in the sea due to another sewage discharge. Signs warning of a temporary ban appeared overnight, just one week after reopening following earlier contamination.
The mayor was approached by locals during the visit.

Mayor Francisco de la Torre visited Guadalmar to open a garden dedicated to Fernando Prini Betés. Neighbours spoke to him afterwards asking for permanent fixes for repeated sanitation failures in the area. No public response from the mayor has been issued so far on this latest incident.

Torremolinos council has issued no specific statement regarding this event. Similar past spills have impacted beaches such as Los Alamos in Torremolinos, prompting joint monitoring with Malaga authorities.

Limited risk to nearby Torremolinos shores

The council expects minimal effects on Torremolinos beaches because discharge occurs through a 475-metre underwater outlet. Water tests will confirm safety levels before any reopening.

Multiple failures linked to winter damage and ongoing repairs

A broken fitting on a 70-centimetre concrete pipe caused the latest problem near the Ciudad Deportiva del Malaga. Emasa, the water company, halted pumping and diverted flow while crews worked overnight. This is the latest in a series of issues that began with the December 2025 floods bursting sections of pipes crossing the Guadalhorce River.

Yes, works continue on the sewage network. Emasa activated a provisional system on May 22 using reversed reclaimed water pipes. That temporary measure failed when pressure dropped on Friday evening, May 29.

Repairs expected soon but full solution still months away

Technicians are planning to complete immediate repairs during the weekend. Full permanent replacement of damaged infrastructure should finish in August. Until then, similar incidents may recur as crews complete broader upgrades.
Emasa notified regional authorities immediately and will analyse water samples. A councillor for environmental sustainability said that brief discharge through the sea outlet should keep contamination below legal limits. Even so, officials advise caution on a hot weekend when crowds hit the beaches.

Local people voiced anger over frequent closures that disrupt access to popular swimming spots. Malaga council stresses efforts to minimise environmental harm while completing the necessary infrastructure work.