Bathing Water Monitoring

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

The Bathing Water Quality Surveillance Programme of the Region was extended from April to the end of October, being the responsibility of the Regional Directorate of Health (DRS), through the Division of Licensing and Environmental Health (DLSA) and the Regional Public Health Laboratory.

This year, it extends to 65 bathing waters in all municipalities of the Region, with 372 analyses scheduled from the 15th of April until the 31st of October.

“The Programme starts before the bathing season, which normally runs from the 1st of June until the 30th of September. However, in recent years, due to the more favourable climatic conditions for bathing and at the request of the concessionaires, the programme has been extended from April to the end of October. The Programme aims to assess whether coastal bathing waters have adequate quality for bathing under the legal requirements in force, as well as to evaluate the areas surrounding the beach, namely support infrastructures (sanitary facilities, bars, showers, first aid, …), bathing safety, health and information to users,” clarified a spokesperson for the Regional Directorate of Health.

In 2023, 501 coastal bathing water analyses were carried out with 83% of beaches recording excellent bathing waters.

For further information, please access the Portuguese Environment Agency website at https://snirh.apambiente.pt and through the “Bathing Waters” app.