Playa De Laidatxu Pm1

Spain Transitional 1 - Excellent

Laidatxu is an estuary beach located in the urban area of Mundaka within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The beach is 100 metres long with a surface area of 5,600 square metres at low tide and approximately 1,800 square metres at high tide, with fine sand composition. Water extent varies significantly depending on tidal conditions. At low tide, a large sandy area forms and the ría water is used for bathing; at high tide the beach narrows to a thin strip of sand and the bathing water is of marine origin. The beach experiences heavy weekend use and moderate use during weekdays.

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Water

Estuary beach located in the Oka exterior transitional water body, part of the Oka river basin. The beach is 100 metres long with 5,600 square metres surface area at low tide and 1,800 square metres at high tide. Maximum tidal range is 4.8 metres with minimum of 1 metre. The Oka river has a mean annual discharge of 3.6 cubic metres per second. Water renewal occurs within 7 days or less.

Location

Mundaka municipality in Bizkaia province, Spain. The beach is situated in the urban centre of Mundaka, accessed via the Mundaka-Sukarrieta road. Urban car park with 150 spaces is available.

Facilities

Lifeguards (2), beach wardens (2), first aid kit, medical equipment available by telephone. Public toilets (4), washbasins (1), showers (2), foot wash (1), fountains (2). Disabled access with ramps. Rubbish bins (10). Public address system. Kiosk and bar.

Water Quality

Monitoring of bathing water quality is conducted by the Public Health Directorate of the Basque Government at a sampling point located in the central zone of the beach. Microbiological monitoring includes measurement of Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci.

Risks

Urban and industrial wastewater discharges from the Oka river system reach the bathing water without treatment due to malfunction of the Gernika treatment plant. Sanitation infrastructure in the Gernika ría area is insufficient with inadequate collector networks causing overflows, sedimentations, and odour problems. Sewage from 12 municipalities drains toward this area. Industrial discharges include oils, laminates, leather treatment, surface treatments, and wood processing. Periodic dredging occurs in the channel for access to the Murueta shipyard.