Overview

• At midday on May 26 a corroded high-pressure drinking water pipe ruptured near Hotel Spa Benalmádena Palace, sending mud-laden water into the shallow sea.
• Benalmádena Town Hall and public water firm Acosol said the spill involved only clean, drinkable water that dragged sediment offshore without contaminating bathing areas.
• Lifeguards raised a yellow flag warning for sunbathers before repair crews halted the leak and restored a green flag later that day.
• Residents have criticized the loss of precious water during regional drought warnings and questioned official assurances about potential health risks.
• The incident follows environmental scares this month in Spain, including a toxic chlorine cloud in Catalonia and sewage-related rat sightings off the coast of Alicante.