Cartagena City Council has called on the Ministry for Ecological Transition to take urgent action at the Mar Menor South wastewater treatment plant following the latest pollution incident at Cala Reona.

In just one week, three beaches in the municipality have been closed, creating uncertainty at the start of the summer season. The first closure took place on Tuesday 30 June at Mar de Cristal, where a red flag was raised after water quality tests showed E. coli levels above recommended limits, in line with guidance from the Directorate-General for Public Health.

The measure was described as preventive and remained in place until water conditions returned to safe levels. Municipal sources said the exact cause was unknown, although it may have been linked to an accidental discharge or a build-up of organic matter during water renewal.

The beach reopened the following day with what officials described as full guarantees. However, the council has warned that repeated incidents are damaging public confidence and is pressing for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption during the peak holiday period.