A beach which last Saturday was given a Blue Flag for its "world-class standards in beach management, environmental education, safety, water quality and related services" was closed for bathing on Monday after an overflow of foul water, the Department of Information said.

According to the Bathing Water Directive, the Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health said that, as a precaution, bathing is not recommended in Fajtata beach, in Qaliet Street Marsascala, "due to an overflow of foul water in the vicinity of the public toilets.

"This may affect the bathing water quality and poses a risk to bathers' health. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are currently investigating to determine the source of contamination. At this stage, the duration of the contamination cannot be predicted," the superintendence said.

Signs indicating the area have been fixed in the area. When the quality is restored, the signs will be removed, and another press release will be issued to notify the public that the site is again fit for bathing.

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Environmental Health Directorate between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on telephone number 21337333 or by email on [email protected] .  The public is also being invited to access the Directorate's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EHDMalta  or our official website at https://environmentalhealth.gov.mt or the EHD Bathing Portal on https://mfh-mt.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/31f48638f89c4d60bd6143818a46a2c7 for similar information.

Last Saturday, Fajtata beach was one of 10 beaches in Malta and three in Gozo to be given the Blue Flag. 

In a separate statement, the superintendence said that Xlendi Bay is open to bathing after it had been declared unfit last week.