Map reveals areas of Malaga province with high levels of nitrates in tap water

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However, experts warn that the fact that these levels are lower does not mean the underlying problem has been resolved. Nitrate contamination is closely linked to intensive farming, the use of fertilisers and the management of slurry, particularly in inland areas and agricultural valleys, where aquifers are most vulnerable, as is the case in Humilladero.

Added to all this is a factor that introduces uncertainty: the blue dots, which indicate a lack of data or missing measurements. These areas, also present in the province, show that the problem is not only pollution, but also the lack of comprehensive information on the quality of the water consumed by the public.

The causes of this pollution are clearly identified. Greenpeace points directly to the intensive agricultural and livestock model, particularly the massive use of chemical fertilisers and manure from industrial livestock farming. According to European data, up to 81 per cent of the nitrogen entering the water comes from these activities.

The environmental organisation also warns in a statement that the problem is ‘invisible’, as water contaminated by nitrates shows no changes in smell, taste or colour, making it difficult for the public to detect. For this reason, they insist on the need to facilitate access to information and review the current legal limits.

The scientific community considers the current limit of 50 mg/l to be "completely obsolete" and believes it should be reduced to six mg/l to minimise health risks, including, as they point out, colorectal cancer, which has the highest incidence in Spain. Greenpeace’s map not only puts figures on a growing problem, but also issues a clear warning: without changes to the production model and water management, nitrate pollution will continue to spread and affect more and more areas, including Malaga province.