Bathers have been advised to stay out of the water at four beaches in Malaga city after tests detected E. coli bacteria.

The temporary warning applies to the beaches of Campo de Golf, Sacaba, La Misericordia and San Andres.

Malaga City Council introduced the precautionary measure after receiving instructions from the Junta de Andalucia’s regional health department.

The bacteria were discovered in samples collected on Tuesday by municipal water company Emasa.

The affected areas are being cleaned and signs will be installed close to the discharge points while the warning remains in force.

The council has advised people not to swim until further analysis confirms that water quality has returned to acceptable levels.

Rain blamed for contamination

Municipal officials said the contamination followed wastewater-system overflows triggered by Monday’s heavy rain, when Malaga was placed under a yellow weather warning.

In parts of the city with combined drainage systems, rainwater enters the same network that carries sewage towards treatment plants.

During periods of intense rainfall, the volume can exceed the network’s capacity. Emergency overflow points then release stormwater mixed with a proportion of wastewater to prevent the system backing up and causing flooding.

The council said these discharges are legally provided for during episodes of heavy rain and do not necessarily represent a failure of the sewage network.

Emasa is expected to collect one or two further samples over the coming days to monitor conditions.

The warning at Campo de Golf, Sacaba, La Misericordia and San Andres will remain in place pending the results.