Banca

23.1°C Water temp · Jun 9

Italy Coastal 1 - Excellent 23.1°C

Satellite image of BANCA — Satellite image © Esri

Banca is a bathing water area located in Riomaggiore within the Cinque Terre region of Liguria. The area is characterized by high, rocky coastline and is part of the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area. The bathing water boundary was expanded westward in 2019 to include the entire cliff face. The water body achieved an Excellent classification during the 2016-2019 monitoring period.

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Water

Coastal water body with area of 1.425 km². High rocky coastline bounded to the east by the small inlet of Riomaggiore village. Part of the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area.

Location

Riomaggiore, La Spezia Province, Liguria region. The Riomaggiore railway station and cycle path are nearby. A small harbour (porticciolo) is located to the east at Riomaggiore.

Facilities

Railway station at Riomaggiore, cycle path, small harbour to the east.

Water Quality

Classification for 2016-2019 monitoring period: Excellent. Intestinal enterococci (CFU/100 ml): 90th percentile = 6.5; 95th percentile = 9.5. Escherichia coli (MPN/100 ml): 90th percentile = 21.6; 95th percentile = 25.6.

Risks

Riomaggiore-Manarola wastewater treatment plant with outfall approximately 1.2 km from the coast. Rio Ruffinale stream mouth. During heavy rainfall, increased stream discharge may transport sewage downstream. Ostreopsis ovata microalgae blooms have occurred in the region over the past decade; monitoring station at Monterosso al Mare showed no exceedances of the 30,000 cells/litre limit since 2016, with one value between 10,000-30,000 cells/litre recorded in July 2017. Inhalation of Ostreopsis ovata aerosol can cause temporary respiratory issues and fever in sensitive individuals.