Guadalmar beach shut again after another sewage spill near Málaga

A broken pipe triggers yet another sewage leak, forcing Guadalmar's closure. Residents demand answers as officials scramble for temporary—and eventual—solutions.

, and ASMedia

2026 May 31 . 10:09 AM

1 min read

The image shows a beach littered with plastic bottles, plastic cans, and other objects, as well as... — The image shows a beach littered with plastic bottles, plastic cans, and other objects, as well as plants and trees in the background. This image serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing plastic waste in the ocean, as it can lead to environmental issues such as pollution, water pollution, and environmental degradation.

Guadalmar beach shut again after another sewage spill near Málaga

Guadalmar beach near Málaga was closed again on 30 May after another sewage spill. The latest incident follows a similar contamination just one week after the popular swimming spot had reopened. Residents have grown increasingly frustrated with repeated disruptions.

The leak came from a 70-centimetre concrete pipe with a broken fitting. Sewage flowed through a 475-metre underwater outlet, posing limited risk to neighbouring Torremolinos. Technicians from Emasa, the local water company, stopped pumping and rerouted the flow while working overnight to fix the damage.

Repairs are set to continue over the weekend, with a full permanent replacement of the damaged infrastructure planned for August. Until then, broader upgrades to the sewage network remain unfinished, leaving open the possibility of further incidents. Mayor Francisco de la Torre visited Guadalmar after the closure and faced complaints from locals. Many demanded lasting solutions to the recurring sanitation problems. Water tests will now determine when the beach can safely reopen.

The latest spill has again cut off access to a key stretch of coastline. While temporary fixes are underway, permanent upgrades won’t be completed until August. Officials will rely on test results before lifting the closure.