The temporary bathing ban at the central beach of the Bulgarian Black Sea resort of Lozenets remains in force.

Last week, health authorities imposed temporary prohibition after samples established high levels of Escherichia coli in the water.

Health authorities will permit bathing after two consecutive samples confirm that microbiological indicators have returned to their normal values.

Usually samples are taken once every two weeks, but at least five extra samples have been taken from the area of the central beach this summer.

The municipality assured that the water purification plant will start functioning shortly, the Bulgarian National Television reported.

There are doubts that the pollution was caused by the illegal discharge of waste waters as the results established levels of indissoluble substances exceeding the norm.

Local residents, municipal officials and businessmen view the temporary ban as an attack on tourism in the area.