A popular beach in Nikiti, a coastal tourist destination in northern Greece, has been temporarily closed after a malfunction at a wastewater treatment plant led to the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea.

The incident occurred following a power outage, which triggered a chain of technical failures at the biological treatment facility serving the area. As a result, untreated wastewater reportedly flowed into the sea at Agia Varvara beach, turning the water near the shoreline brown and causing strong environmental concern.

Beach closed as authorities respond to pollution

Local residents and visitors were confronted with what witnesses described as a disturbing scene, with the sea near the coast visibly discolored. According to accounts from the area, this is not the first time similar issues have affected the location.

The situation comes during the height of the tourism season, raising concerns among both residents and local businesses about the impact on visitor activity and water safety.

Authorities, including the coast guard and an anti-pollution response company, were called to the site immediately. Containment measures were deployed, and the beach was closed to swimmers as a precaution.

Investigation and water quality testing underway

Samples of seawater have been collected for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of contamination. Officials said the results will decide when the beach can safely reopen to the public.

The damage has been attributed to a combination of power failure and subsequent breakdowns in the sewage treatment system. The local municipality has stated it is seeking compensation over the incident, which it links to failures in the external power supply system.

Municipal officials said the generator system automatically activates during outages, but multiple equipment failures occurred during the incident, leading to the spill. Legal action and formal complaints are being considered as the cleanup continues.