Ministry to test Protaras water for pollution

THE HEALTH Ministry will today be testing the water at a beach in Protaras said to be polluted by waste discharges.

Costas Michael from the State Laboratory yesterday announced that the water would be tested and first results be released later in the day.

Results from the chemical tests will be released today, while results from the microbiological tests will be released tomorrow.

Tests are being run after a report in Monday’s Politis claimed that a sewage pipe, which is hidden from view by water and sand, was polluting the seawater in the area.

According to tests commissioned from a Nicosia laboratory by Politis, results show the presence of bacteria from animals or humans, phosphorus and nitrate.

Officials claim the water is tested continuously to EU standards and there have been no problems.

An official from the Health Services Department admitted that there were pipes in the area that were used by hotels for the drainage of excess water from their gardens, which would explain the presence of phosphorus and nitrates in the water. He insisted there was no threat to the public.

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