It is also recommended not to swim in the Lielupe right bank bathing place in Jelgava, where
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microbiological contamination has been detected and the water quality does not meet the requirements.
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These decisions result from bathing water quality inspections carried out by the MA in early August, which found, inter alia, that bathing was permitted in other official bathing areas.
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Although no blue-green algal blooms have been detected in official bathing areas at present, the Inspectorate draws the attention of the population to the fact that the current weather conditions have increased the risk of blue-green algae reproduction.
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According to the information provided by the municipalities, signs of blue-green algae growth in late July and early August were observed in the following unofficial bathing areas: Small Baltezers bathing place “Mārsili”, Jaunmārupe water body “Pavasari” in the bathing place “Salinas”.
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Therefore, the MA calls on the population to pay special attention to water quality when not using official bathing areas. Before bathing, an inspection must be carried out to assess whether there are any signs of blue-green algal blooms.
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In case of increased reproduction of blue-green algae, the water becomes thicker, more turbid, the color may be distinctly green, bluish-green, yellow-brown, as well as the water may overlap with the bluish-green film, the water may show an uncharacteristic odor. When blue-green algae die and break down, the color becomes less pronounced, gray-brown.
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If signs of massive growth of blue-green algae are observed, bathing in such water should not be allowed, and special care should be taken to ensure that children do not swim in such water, and that pets and livestock do not drink the water, the inspectorate emphasizes.
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When blue-green algae decomposes, toxins can be released into the water, which can have skin and mucous membrane irritating effects, causing various allergic reactions. Less frequent bathing in such water, if more water enters the digestive system, can cause acute poisoning, as toxins also have hepatotoxic and neurotoxic effects.
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The Inspectorate invites residents to follow the current information on the websites of local governments, as well as on the website of the MA, where information on bathing water quality measurements and various restrictions is regularly updated.
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Water quality in 56 official marine and inland bathing areas will be checked by the MA by 15 September by taking water samples at the bathing areas every month. The next scheduled analyzes will be carried out in early September.
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