The beaches of Can Pere Antoni and Ciutat Jardi in the Bay of Palma, capital of the Spanish island, were closed by authorities after torrential rains throughout August overwhelmed the Torrent Gros storm channel leading to the extensive flooding of the Baluardi sewage treatment plant and the rupture of a sewage pipe.
The beaches were closed as a precautionary measure and a red flag was hoisted while local authorities waited for a chemical analysis of the sea water.
The repeated closure of the two highly popular urban beaches, and the incapacity of the city's major sewage treatment plant to cope with heavy rainfall has caused a political storm on the island.
The local government, headed by the leftist PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers Party) has come under fire for failing to prevent the contamination.
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The centre-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) Party said: "We cannot wait until 2020 to solve the problem."
However, they were critical of the right-wing PP (Popular Party) who they accused of "being very interested in the issue" but of "having done nothing in the previous legislature" when they were in power.
For the time being, with the heavy rains having abated, the authorities have assured the public that the beaches are safe to enjoy.