AZE.US
Several beaches in Azerbaijan have been temporarily closed for swimming after laboratory tests found that seawater quality in those areas did not meet sanitary standards.
The restrictions apply to beaches in Baku, Lankaran and Khachmaz, according to Baku TV, citing the Ministry of Health.
The ministry said laboratory analyses showed that the chemical and microbiological composition of seawater in some areas failed to meet sanitary requirements.
In Baku, swimming has been restricted at beaches in Turkan, Shikh, Hovsan and Sahil.
In Lankaran, restrictions apply to beaches in Ashaghi Nuvedi, Kichik Bazar and Sutamurdov. In Khachmaz, the affected area is the beach zone in Niyazoba.
Authorities said the deterioration in water quality was linked to wastewater and waste being discharged into sanitary protection zones.
The Ministry of Health said the restrictions were introduced to protect public health.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the warning into account when choosing beaches for summer recreation.
AZE.US