Study by state pollution control board finds high faecal coliform levels and turbidity across several tourist beaches
Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji: A yearlong water quality assessment conducted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) from April 2024 to March 2025 has found that 11 out of 20 of the state’s beaches have high levels faecal coliform bacteria contamination, making them unsafe for recreational use. Baina Beach was found to be the most contaminated and Miramar Beach the least though
it showed high turbidity and alkalinity.
As per the report, the contamination levels pose increased health risks during the monsoon due to higher bacterial concentrations, particularly for individuals with open wounds.
The GSPCB report attributed the contamination to untreated sewage and runoff during the monsoon.
The study found sewage pollution, with multiple beaches exceeding the permissible limit of 100 MPN/100ML for faecal coliform bacteria.
Baina Beach was found to be the most contaminated, breaching safety limits for 10 consecutive months. Faecal coliform levels ranged from 170 MPN/100ML in April 2024 to 350 MPN/100ML in February 2025.
Bambolim Beach showed elevated fecal coliform levels over eight months, between 130-170 MPN/100ML, from June 2024 to January 2025.
Turbidity levels at this beach were also recorded high in September, affecting water clarity.
Baga Beach reported contamination over seven months, overlapping both monsoon and tourist seasons.
Palolem Beach recorded five months of contamination between June and August 2024. Fecal coliform levels increased from 130 MPN/100ML during monsoon to 350 MPN/100ML in December and January 2025.
Colva Beach registered elevated coliform levels from August to December, ranging from 13 to 130 MPN/100ML. Vagator Beach recorded levels between 110-130 MPN/100ML during the tourist season, exceeding the safety cap.
Arambol Beach recorded faecal coliform levels between 110-130 MPN/100ML in July, August, and December 2024. Alkalinity at the beach rose to 234mg/L in February 2025.
Miramar Beach, while showing comparatively lower chemical contamination, had high turbidity of 58.3 NTU during the monsoon and alkalinity of 138mg/L in May 2024. The beach also recorded faecal coliform levels between 130-140 MPN/100ML over four months during the tourist season.
All monitored beaches recorded dissolved oxygen levels above 4mg/L, which is sufficient to support marine life. pH values remained within the acceptable range of 6.5 to 8.5.
