Is the sea at Bilin Žal beach safe for swimming now?

Yes, according to the announcement by the Administrative Department for Environmental Protection and Utilities on August 6, 2026, the short-term pollution has ended and the sea meets all conditions of the Regulation on Sea Quality for Bathing.

When exactly was the pollution detected?

The pollution was first detected in a sea sample taken on July 30, 2026, and was announced to the public on August 1, 2026.

Who conducted the additional sea tests?

The additional sampling and analyses were conducted by experts from the Institute of Public Health of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Will sea quality continue to be monitored?

Yes, according to the Regulation on Sea Quality for Bathing, re-sampling will be conducted within seven days of the end of the pollution for further control.

Local

Sea at Bilin Žal Beach in Lumbarda Clean Again

B.K. · Prije 2h | 2 min

After pollution was recorded in early August, additional tests by the Institute of Public Health confirmed that the sea at the popular Korčula beach is once again safe for swimming.

Summary

Dubrovnik-Neretva County announced the end of short-term sea pollution at Bilin Žal beach in Lumbarda.
The pollution was initially detected on July 30, and additional samples taken on August 1, 2, and 3 showed that the sea is clean again.
The Institute of Public Health conducted additional analyses confirming that the sea meets all regulations.
A control sampling will be carried out within seven days to confirm the end of the pollution.

After several days of uncertainty, good news has arrived for all swimmers on the island of Korčula from the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The Administrative Department for Environmental Protection and Utilities announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the end of the short-term sea pollution at Bilin Žal beach in Lumbarda.

The pollution was initially detected during the regular sixth cycle of sea quality testing under the County Program. A sea sample taken on July 30, 2026, showed unfavorable results, which were officially communicated to the public on August 1, 2026.

Rapid Response and Additional Analyses

To clarify the situation as quickly as possible and eliminate any doubt, the Institute of Public Health of Dubrovnik-Neretva County responded promptly. They conducted additional sea sampling at the disputed location, three times in total: on August 1, 2, and 3, 2026.

The results of these additional analyses were crucial for the new conclusions. All showed that the sea fully complies with the conditions prescribed by the Regulation on Sea Quality for Bathing. This confirmed that it was indeed a short-term event and that the sea at Bilin Žal is clean and safe again.

Monitoring Continues

Although the pollution has ceased, county services will not stop. In accordance with the requirements of the Regulation on Sea Quality, a re-sampling of the sea is planned within seven days of the end of the pollution. The goal is to once again officially confirm the stability of the results and ensure complete peace of mind for swimmers.

This rapid response by the authorities and transparent communication with the public have certainly helped to calm the concerns raised by the news of pollution on one of Croatia's most famous islands.