Rio Borosa Santiago-Pontones Pm1

Spain River 1 - Excellent

Charco de la Cuna is a bathing area located on the Río Borosa in Santiago-Pontones, Jaén, Andalucía, Spain, at an altitude of 678 metres. The site features a natural weir and is situated in a mountainous Mediterranean limestone river environment with a single, sinuous channel bed containing large stones and blocks. The area is characterized by intact riparian forest vegetation including poplars, elms, and brambles, and supports a natural trout population.

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Water

Mountain Mediterranean limestone river. Surface area of influence: 132 km². Mean annual discharge: 5580 m³/h. Environmental flow rate: 0.15 m³/s. Four-year return period flow rate: 18 m³/s. Bed consists of exposed rock and large blocks. Water volume in bathing zone: 3502 m³. Mean daily renewal time: 0.62 hours annually; 7.01 hours during summer season.

Location

Santiago-Pontones, Jaén province, Andalucía. Access from the town of Cazorla via the A-315 road towards Coto Río; the bathing zone is located upstream of a fish farm at approximately kilometre 48 of the road. Parking is available.

Facilities

Parking available. No lifeguard station. No toilets, showers, bins, or information signage. No bar, recreational zones, or fountains. Domestic animals permitted.

Season

1 July to 31 August

Water Quality

Water quality monitoring conducted in 2008 and 2009 showed varying concentrations of Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococci (measured in CFU/100 ml). Historical data from 2003–2009 indicated the bathing water was classified as compliant with guideline values or imperative values according to previous regulations (Royal Decree 734/1988). Short-term contamination risks identified include user self-contamination, livestock runoff from cattle (401 head), sheep (6514 head), and goats (594 head) within the catchment area.

Risks

Short-term contamination risks from accidental or illegal discharges with unexpected frequency and less than 24-hour duration. Runoff from livestock operations triggered by failures in manure storage systems or heavy rainfall, with unexpected frequency lasting up to 72 hours. Dead animals and organic litter may appear in the bathing area. Sediment and sludge remobilization possible.