War over Attica beach water quality measurements erupts

Conflicting reports on the quality of bathing waters in Athens are causing confusion among the public. The Panhellenic Center for Ecological Research (PAKOE) recently declared dozens of popular beaches in the Attica region unsuitable for swimming.

However, these findings starkly contrast with data published by the Ministry of Environment on bathingwaterprofiles.gr, which adheres to a European directive. They also differ from a recent European Environment Agency (EEA) report that ranked Greece second in the EU for water cleanliness, based on samples from 1,734 beaches.

Local authorities are increasingly critical of PAKOE's assessments. The mayor of Markopoulo-Mesogaia, Konstantinos Allagiannis, stated that beaches in his municipality, including Porto Rafti and Avlaki, have received good measurements and even a blue flag, contradicting PAKOE's claims. Some mayors suggest that PAKOE's negative ratings may stem from a refusal to cooperate with the organization. The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (ELKETHЕ) and the Eastern Attica Regional Health Service have been approached for additional checks.

Questions are being raised about the reliability of PAKOE's testing methods and who oversees the organization. The Hellenic Confederation of Unions of Local Government (KEDE) has issued resolutions denouncing PAKOE's practices. In response to the public's confusion, the Ministry of Environment advises citizens to rely on the official bathingwaterprofiles.gr website for accurate water quality assessments, which are conducted monthly by certified laboratories.

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In Porto Rafti, there is a municipal port fund, so measurements can be taken immediately. The municipal beach in Avlaki, which is mentioned in the list, has received a blue flag. We have taken measurements and they were very good.