Rio Ulla Catoira Pm2

Spain Transitional 4 - Poor

Río Ulla in Catoira is a continental bathing area located in a transition water zone in the interior of a ría with micro and mesomareal characteristics. The bathing zone features fine sand beaches and a sinuous river channel with vegetated bars. The water body transitions between oligohaline and saline conditions with sedimentary substrate composed mainly of sand. The area is well-conserved and supports diverse fauna including amphibians, birds, and fish species.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Write a review

Photos

Upload a photo

Water

Transition water zone (ría) and river channel. Río Ulla at Catoira is a natural water body with sinuous, nearly meandering course. Substrate consists of sand and clay with algal coverage. The catchment area is 2,784.30 km². Maximum elevation in the watershed is 1,182 m; minimum is 1 m. Medium monthly discharge ranges from 0.14 m³/s in July to 17.30 m³/s in January. Summer flow rates are significantly lower than winter rates.

Location

Catoira, Pontevedra Province, Galicia, Spain. Accessed by arriving at the town of Catoira and following signs from the train station roundabout toward the maritime pools. Signs direct visitors to the bathing area. Parking is available.

Facilities

Parking, bar/chiringuito, picnic areas, trash bins, restrooms, showers, swimming pools, recreational zone. No lifeguards, no information signs, no dock, information on dog access not available.

Season

June 1 to September 30.

Water Quality

Water quality classification shows conformance with guide values and imperative values for 2003-2009 monitoring periods, though some historical measurements exceeded the previous 2000 UFC/100ml standard under repealed regulations. Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci concentrations were measured during 2008-2009 seasons. Risk assessment indicates possible health episodes for swimmers would occur at discharge rates below 0.93 m³/s with elevated enterococci concentrations. Fecal contamination data from 1993-2007 showed a declining trend despite occasional exceedances of limits.

Risks

Fecal microbial contamination from multiple sources: wastewater treatment plant (EDAR Ribeira-Aguiño-Carreira) located 5,100.95 m upstream, self-contamination from swimmers, livestock in the influence area (40 cattle, 20 sheep, 10 horses), and potential accidental or illegal discharges. Health risk latency exists at low summer discharge rates combined with elevated enterococci. Sediment remobilization and organic waste are additional contamination sources.