The recent outbreak of gastroenteritis on the beaches of the states of São Paulo and Santa Catarina It has placed the quality of seawater in the focus, although it is not confirmed that it was the cause of the problem.
Bathing
A recent analysis of “bathing” prepared by Folha de São Paulo revealed that only 258 of the 861 beaches were suitable in all 2024 measurements. This is the worst level recorded since 2016, according to the study. 9 years ago, when he began to be held in 14 of the 17 states with sea coast, 44% were own; Now it was only 30%. Amapá, Piauí and Pará do not measure the quality of the water.
Balneability means that water quality allows you to perform recreational activities with direct and prolonged contact, such as swimming, dive or water skiing.
A resolution of CONAMA (National Environmental Council), in 2000, developed the criteria and limits for the analysis performed in interior waters and coastal beaches. For a beach to be considered proper, 80% or more of the water samples should not exceed the limit of 800 Escherichia coli, 1,000 coliforms and 100 enterococci per 100 ml.
Effects of Urbanization
Urbanization of unlawful coastal areas, slow advancement in basic sanitation and irregular disposal of rainwater is the central factors in the drop in quality. Less controllable issues such as sea currents, tides and the shape of the beach also play their role.
Contact with water in improper areas can cause problems such as gastrointestinal diseases or ringworm. The main recommendation is to avoid entering the sea in the early hours of rains and in places near the exit of urban rivers, rainwater gallery and drainage channels.
Among the worst places pointed out by the analysis of Folha are the trendy beach of Camboriú (SC), Morro de São Paulo (BA) and even in Leblon (RJ), near the Jardim de Alah channel, which connects the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the sea. Yes, in the most expensive square meter in Brazil.
Of the total of 1,361 points on the Brazilian coast that provided data in 2024, only 416 were considered good throughout the year (30.6%). Another 447 were evaluated as bad or very bad (32.8%) and 416 as regular (30.6%). There are still 82 points not measured (6%). The analysis of the leaf reveals the annualized history of each beach (861 have been studied since 2016; now 1361).
For those who have expected to go to the beach, it is important to consider what happened last year, but also the current state and the modifications that may occur during the stay. Most states perform water quality measurements every 7 days and disclose the information in bulletins or maps. Some beaches have identifications with plates or flags: blue or green for own and red beach for improper. And again, avoid the sea in the early hours after rain and near urban rivers, rainwater galleries and drainage canals.
Here’s a website guide to access informative newsletters, maps and apps you can check out before deciding your beach.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA)
The bathing in the Brazilian coast
APPPs:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=br.gov.mma.superapphttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=br.gov.mma.surappp
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/superapp-mma/id1608190929https://apps.apple.com/us/app/superapp-mma/id1608190929
Integrate information from all states.
Rio de Janeiro (beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis, Buzios
https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyjrijoinwi4mdfimzetngy0os00m2Y1LWE5MWYTZNZQYYMUWMJKWI%2 0Iwidc6ijzkyjc3ywu3lwqwytqtndyxni1inzm4ltg4ode4ntqxowizosj9 & pagename = 64fcd9486da0b10c1015
Beaches of Rio de Janeiro, January 6th.
São Paulo (Ubatuba, São Sebastião, Ilhabela, Bertioga, Guarujá, Santos, Praia Grande).
Weekly Bulletin – Beach Quality – 2025
CETESB – Quality Map of coastal beaches
Beaches of São Paulo, January 6th.
Santa Catarina (Camboriú, Bombinhas, Florianópolis).
Bathing
Beaches of Santa Catarina, January 6th.
Paraná
Bathing | Water and Earth Institute
APP:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=BalneAbility.iat&pcampaimignid=web_shareoi
Bahia (Salvador, Praia do Forte, Porto Seguro, Trancoso, Arraial d’Ajuda, Ilhéus, Caraìva, Boipeba Island).
Quality of the beaches
APP:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=br.gov.ba.inema.vaidarpraia&hl=en
Pernambuco (Recife and Porto de Galinhas)
CPRH »beaches bathing
Rio Grande do Norte (Pipa, Natal, São Miguel do Gostoso)
2024 bathing bulletins
Ceará (Fortaleza)
SEMACE Mobile
Maranhão
Balneability Interactive Map
Paraiba (João Pessoa).
Mares Quality – Environmental Administration Superintendence (Sudema)
Alagoas (Maceió)
Our Praia App
Our beach in the App Store
Our Praia – Apps on Google Play
Rio Grande do Sul
Bathing
Holy Spirit
Quality of the Water of the Beaches of Vitória
Sergipe
Balneability – ADEMA
Amapá, Piauí and Pará do not measure the quality of the water.