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Pantano de San Juan regains water quality suitable for bathing
The water in Pantano de San Juan once again meets health requirements for bathing. The latest analyses carried out by the Community of Madrid classify the El Muro and Virgen de la Nueva areas as suitable, although restrictions on bathing and water activities remain in force for safety reasons related to the Sierra Oeste fire.
Checks confirm that water quality has not been compromised following the fire. This assessment is an important step towards restoring normality at one of the region's main summer destinations, although it will still be necessary to wait for the authorities to lift the temporary ban on swimming and navigation.
The restriction does not stem from a pollution problem in the reservoir, but from the emergency and reconstruction work that continues to be carried out in the area affected by the fire. Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo is maintaining the ban as a preventive measure while work progresses in the area and risks to safety persist.
Over recent days, Comunidad de Madrid has stepped up the removal of waste, the cleaning of the affected municipalities and assistance for residents and visitors. In addition, several bus routes continue not to stop at Pantano de San Juan and Playa del Alberche while the area is fully restored.
San Juan reservoir is Comunidad de Madrid's main bathing destination and the only one where motorised water activities are normally authorised. Every summer it receives thousands of visitors drawn by its beaches, recreational areas and proximity to the capital, so the gradual recovery of this space is key to tourism and economic activity in Sierra Oeste.