The Segura River Authority has said there is no record of any pollution spill in the Vega Baja after large amounts of foam appeared on the River Segura on the fifth and sixth of January. The incident coincided with heavy rainfall and an increase in river flow following water releases from the Santomera reservoir.

According to the authority, the foam was probably caused by organic matter, sediments and sludge being washed into the river during the rain and water releases. These materials can generate foam when the water is agitated by currents or obstacles. Water samples have been taken at several points and are being analysed, with further tests to be carried out by the CEBAS research centre.

The local group Cambiemos Orihuela, supported by the Sumar parliamentary group, has submitted questions to the authority. They are seeking clarification on the origin of the foam, possible action against those responsible for any discharges, and whether water quality monitoring stations will be extended to the lower stretch of the river.

The authority has confirmed that real time water quality monitoring is limited along more than twenty five kilometres of the river before it reaches the sea, with some stations not currently operational.