The Environmental Health Directorate has advised the public not to swim in the sea off Dawret il-Qalb Imqaddsa in Birżebbuġa after sewage was found to be seeping into the bathing water from nearby private residences.

In a statement, the EHD said that the contamination has been traced by Environmental Health officers to private properties in Triq it-Tankijiet.

The directorate said that an abatement notice was issued, and legal action has been initiated against the owner. It said that at this stage, the duration of the contamination cannot be predicted.

The EHD said the situation poses a risk to public health and, as a precautionary measure under the Bathing Water Directive, bathing in the affected area is not recommended until further notice.

Warning signs have already been installed along the side, which is identified under site code A13-A14 at Dawret il-Qalb Imqaddsa.

The Environmental Health Directorate said that 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.