Saldus Lake restricts swimming after repeat E. coli contamination

LSM reports that tests have again found elevated E. coli contamination in the swimming water at Saldus Lake, prompting Latvia’s Health Inspectorate to restrict swimming at the lake’s official bathing area.

The latest results came from an additional sample taken on August 31. The recommendation not to swim applies especially to vulnerable groups, including young children, older people and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

The bathing area operator must display information about the restriction on the beach’s information board.

Elevated microbiological contamination has been detected at Saldus Lake for the third time this swimming season.

Saldus municipality representatives told the Health Inspectorate that the bathing area is being inspected to identify the possible source of the contamination. They are checking, among other things, whether unauthorised sewage is entering the lake. The contamination may also have been carried into the lake by water from the Vēršāda River.

Residents can follow the latest official bathing water quality results on the Health Inspectorate’s website in the section titled Bathing water quality.