Concerns are rising over the quality of sea water at two Blue Flag beaches in Sarıgerme, located in Muğla’s Ortaca district, following pollution detected in the Sarıçay stream. Recent tests conducted by teams from the Muğla Health Directorate revealed that sea water at these beaches is of poor quality, placing their prestigious Blue Flag status in jeopardy. The Blue Flag designation, which signifies environmental excellence, may be revoked by the Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV) if conditions do not improve.
The pollution issue prompted the Ortaca District Governorship to send an official request to the Muğla Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Directorate and the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality to investigate and determine the source of the contamination. The discovery comes just a year after the Blue Flag of the Ortaca Public Beach was revoked due to similar pollution concerns.
Health teams in Muğla regularly monitor sea water quality across 250 sites from April to October. Their latest samples from the Sarıgerme beaches, including one operated by a private hotel, showed alarming levels of contamination. E. Coli levels were measured at 24, 32, and 114, while Enterococcus values reached 1080, 1120, and 1360. These elevated figures suggest microbiological pollution, likely caused by sewage mixing into the sea.
Upon receiving the report, local authorities took immediate action. The Muğla Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Directorate, along with the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, collected additional samples from Sarıçay, believed to be the main source of the pollution. However, officials from the Muğla Water and Sewerage Administration (MUSKİ) stated that initial investigations found no link between their systems and the pollution.
The Blue Flag program, managed in Türkiye by TÜRÇEV and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), assesses beaches based on 33 criteria, including swimming water quality, environmental management, and safety. The water quality is among the most critical factors, with samples analyzed every 15 days throughout the season. Muğla is home to 112 Blue Flag beaches, making it the second-highest region in Türkiye after Antalya.
Officials have indicated that a final decision regarding the future of Sarıgerme’s Blue Flag beaches will be made at a meeting at the end of the year. Should the pollution persist, the beaches could lose their Blue Flag certification, potentially impacting tourism in the area.
In 2024, Türkiye ranked third globally in the number of Blue Flag beaches, behind Spain and Greece, with 567 beaches, 27 marinas, and 18 tourism boats. Muğla itself is a key region for Turkish tourism, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters, making the pollution findings particularly concerning.
Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, and additional beach samples are being analyzed to determine the full extent of the contamination and safeguard Muğla’s valuable coastal resources.
Source: Sarıgerme’deki Mavi bayraklı plajlarda kirlilik alarmı
