Mexico's Beaches: Polluted Paradise?

Mexico's beaches are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but are they safe for swimming? In 2022, three beaches in Acapulco were deemed unsafe for swimming due to dangerously high levels of bacteria in the water, including E. coli, faecal matter and enterococci. This is not an isolated incident, as Mexico's Environmental and Natural Resources Agency has identified several other polluted beaches, and travellers have reported illnesses after swimming in some areas. With the country battling an invasion of seaweed on its shores and concerns over water quality, it is worth investigating the extent of beach pollution in Mexico and its potential impact on human health.

The 3 most polluted beaches in Mexico are in Acapulco

Mexico is known for its paradisiacal beaches, but unfortunately, not all of them are suitable for swimming. In fact, a report by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) revealed that three beaches in Acapulco, Guerrero, are the most polluted in the country.

The report, which analysed seawater samples from 273 beaches across 70 tourist destinations in Mexico, found that Manzanillo, Icacos, and Suave beaches in Acapulco had dangerously high levels of bacteria. Specifically, these beaches were found to contain more than 200 NPM (faecal coliforms) per 100 millilitres of water, which is the threshold above which the water is considered unsafe for swimming.

The high levels of bacteria in the seawater can cause various health issues, including serious urinary infections, sepsis, and endocarditis. The pollution is likely due to insufficient treatment of urban wastewater, industrial discharges, and garbage, as well as government corruption and out-of-control development in the area.

Acapulco's polluted beaches, particularly Caleta and Caletilla, have been a well-kept secret, with the government allegedly downplaying the issue. However, the situation has become harder to ignore, especially with incidents such as a dead sperm whale floating near Acapulco, in an area polluted enough to cause health problems.

It is important for tourists to be aware of the water quality at their chosen beaches and to take necessary precautions. Websites like Blue Flag Mexico provide information on the cleanliness of beaches around the world, helping travellers make informed decisions about their swimming destinations.

The health risks of swimming in polluted water

Swimming in polluted water can have detrimental effects on your health. Water quality may be poor for multiple reasons, including too many nutrients in the water, which can cause excessive growth of algae, or the presence of artificial pollutants such as metals, oils, pesticides, and fertilisers.

The most common illness associated with swimming in polluted water is gastroenteritis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhoea, headache, or fever. Other illnesses associated with swimming in polluted water include gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, cholera, otitis, conjunctivitis, respiratory and skin diseases, and eye, nose, and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may be exposed to more serious diseases, including some types of cyanobacteria that can form algal blooms and produce toxins.

Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely populations to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water. Those who frequent the water more often, like avid swimmers and surfers, also face an increased risk of infection.

To avoid swimming in polluted water, it is recommended to check local council or state department websites for water quality information and to be aware of any issued advisories or closures. It is also recommended to avoid swimming after heavy rain, near stormwater drains, or in bodies of water that may be contaminated by polluted runoff from agriculture or untreated sewage.

In Mexico, the beaches of Acapulco, Guerrero, have been identified as particularly polluted. According to a 2018 report, the beaches of Papagayo, Nuevo Vallarta II, Icacos, and Copacabana were among the dirtiest in the country, with high levels of contaminants and bacteria. The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) found that 98.9% of beaches in Mexico were suitable for swimming during the December holiday period, but three beaches in Acapulco exceeded the limits of bacteria called enterococci, with more than 200 NPM per 100 milliliters of water.

The impact of tourism on beach pollution

Mexico's beaches are a popular tourist destination, offering soft sands, calm waters, and a range of activities from surfing to kite surfing. However, the impact of tourism and human activity on these beaches has led to increasing pollution levels, causing concerns for the environment and public health.

Tourism plays a significant role in the pollution of Mexican beaches. As more travellers are drawn to Mexico's coastline, the infrastructure has struggled to keep up. This has resulted in insufficient waste management systems, leading to the contamination of beach waters. The increase in tourist arrivals has also resulted in more pollution from boats and other watercraft, as well as the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea.

The impact of this pollution has been detrimental to both the environment and human health. According to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), some beaches in Mexico have a high number of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and even earthworms, which can be harmful to those who come into contact with the water. The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) found that three beaches in Acapulco exceeded the safe limits for enterococci bacteria, with similar findings for E. coli and faecal matter. These bacteria can cause serious health issues, including urinary infections, sepsis, and gastroenteritis.

The Mexican government has taken steps to address this issue, with Semarnat conducting regular water quality monitoring. However, there have been accusations of downplaying the severity of the situation to maintain tourism. To provide independent information, travellers can refer to sites like Blue Flag Mexico, which offers an international badge of high water quality for beaches worldwide.

Despite the challenges, Mexico still boasts many clean beaches. Yutucan and Tamaulipas, for example, passed inspections with high scores. Additionally, less popular destinations, such as the beaches of the small town of Bucerías, offer pristine waters and an escape from the crowds of better-known locations. Nevertheless, it is important for tourists to remain vigilant and respect the warnings of local authorities, avoiding swimming near drainages or river mouths, and staying aware of weather conditions that can affect water quality.

The role of government agencies in monitoring and addressing beach pollution

The Mexican government has various agencies and departments dedicated to monitoring and addressing beach pollution. These agencies play a crucial role in ensuring that the country's beaches are safe for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

One of the primary agencies involved in beach pollution monitoring is the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). Semarnat conducts regular water quality measurements and analysis to identify beaches with high levels of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and earthworms, that can pose health risks. The agency establishes the pollution limits for safe immersion and provides warnings and recommendations to the public.

Another key organization is the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris), which operates under the Ministry of Health. Cofepris periodically releases reports on seawater quality, informing the public about beaches that exceed the safe limits of bacteria, such as enterococci and "Enterococcus faecalis". These reports help Mexicans and tourists make informed decisions about where to swim.

Additionally, the Secretariats of Environment and Health and the Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risk work together to conduct seawater tests, especially before significant vacation periods, to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

To address beach pollution, Mexico has also turned to international initiatives. Blue Flag Mexico is an international badge that guarantees high-quality water on beaches worldwide. This program provides an incentive for Mexican beaches to maintain and improve their water quality.

Furthermore, the country has recognized the importance of technological advancements and modernization projects in tackling environmental challenges. The government has encouraged the participation of federal, state, and municipal authorities, along with industry and civil society, to collaborate on solutions for air pollution and water scarcity issues.

While these agencies play a vital role in monitoring and addressing beach pollution, some concerns have been raised about potential spin in the information released to the public. There are suggestions that certain government agencies may downplay pollution levels to avoid discouraging tourism, as mentioned in a TripAdvisor forum post.

Overall, the Mexican government and its agencies actively work to safeguard the country's beaches and protect public health. However, the challenges posed by increasing tourism, insufficient infrastructure, and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, continue to impact beach pollution levels and require ongoing attention and innovative solutions.

How to find information about clean beaches in Mexico

Mexico is known for its idyllic beaches, from the rugged and remote surf spots along the Pacific coast to the tranquil, white-sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea. However, some Mexican beaches are more polluted than others.

To find information about clean beaches in Mexico, you can refer to the following sources and guidelines:

Blue Flag Mexico

The Blue Flag program is a voluntary award for beaches, marinas, and tourist boats that meet strict environmental, educational, water safety, and access standards. It is managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Copenhagen. Mexico has the most clean beaches in North and South America, with 77 Blue Flag-designated beaches.

You can visit the Blue Flag website or check for the Blue Flag designation on travel websites and guides to find a list of clean beaches in Mexico. Some of the Blue Flag beaches in Mexico include:

• Los Cabos (25 Blue Flag destinations)
• Zihuatanejo (5 beaches)
• Puerto Vallarta (4 beaches)
• Isla Mujeres (4 beaches)
• Puerto Morelos (2 beaches)

Government Reports and Advisories

The Mexican government also publishes reports and advisories on seawater quality and pollution levels. The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris), an agency of the Ministry of Health, periodically releases reports on seawater quality to inform the public about safe swimming destinations.

You can refer to the Cofepris website or local news sources to access this information. Additionally, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) conducts water quality measurements and establishes the presence of microorganisms and pollution levels. Their findings can help identify beaches that are suitable for swimming.

Travel Websites and Guides

Travel websites and guides, such as TripAdvisor and Travel + Leisure, often provide insights into the cleanliness of beaches in Mexico. These sources may include personal testimonials, ratings, and recommendations from travellers who have visited these destinations.

For example, TripAdvisor's forum on “Sanitary Beaches in Mexico” discusses the pollution levels at specific beaches, such as Sayulita, and offers suggestions for alternative clean beaches. Travel + Leisure's article on the "18 Best Beaches in Mexico" highlights a variety of quiet paradises and surfing hotspots, allowing readers to make informed choices based on their preferences.

Local Knowledge and Word-of-Mouth

Talking to locals, tour guides, or other travellers can provide valuable insights into finding clean beaches in Mexico. They may have personal experiences or recommendations that can guide you towards less crowded and pristine beach locations.

Additionally, some beaches in Mexico are known for their cleanliness and pristine conditions, such as:

• Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, famous for its emerald waters and sandy shore
• Playa Miramar in Tamaulipas, a beach with golden sand and calm waters, offering various amenities and water sports
• Pie de la Cuesta, a tranquil beach resort town with a clean beach certified by Blue Flag, located near Acapulco
• Playa Pescadores in Tulum, a free and clean beach with parking, bathrooms, showers, and dining options
• Playa La Madera, a serene and clean beach with a rich history, offering swimming and dining options along with breathtaking views

Frequently asked questions