The official inspections of Lahti city’s public beaches have been completed, and the second set of water samples was collected on June 16 from all public beaches. The microbiological quality of the water samples was good at all public beaches.
The water temperatures ranged from 19.6°C to 23.5°C. Small amounts of blue-green algae have already been detected at ten public beaches; however, no blue-green algae were observed at Mytäjäinen and Villähde Kukkanen beaches on the sampling day.
The sample results can be found on the city’s website, including any algae observations in the sample reports. The results will be delivered to the beaches next week.
The next round of sampling will take place on July 15, when samples will again be collected from all public beaches. You can find the list of public beaches on the city’s website.
Keep an eye out for the blue-green algae
A small amount of blue-green algae appears in the water as greenish or yellowish particles. Narrow algae streaks may drift to the shore. A large amount forms green algae rafts and turns the water green.
A small amount of algae usually does not cause symptoms for swimmers. However, it is recommended to take a shower after swimming. If there is a large amount of algae in the water, avoid swimming. Blue-green algae can cause skin redness and itching, as well as eye or nasal irritation, and may also lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours after exposure to the algae. Even though pets aren’t allowed on public beaches, remember to stay alert near other water areas as well and keep your pets away from water with blue-green algae.
Refresher on the beach rules
- Bringing pets to public beach areas is prohibited.
- Camping, fishing, smoking, and tenting are not allowed on the beaches.
- Do not feed the birds on beaches.
- To maintain cleanliness and comfort at the beaches, it is important not to leave litter behind.
For issues related to beach maintenance, you can contact the beach’s maintenance provider, whose contact information is available on the beach’s noticeboard and the city’s website. For questions regarding the water quality at Lahti’s beaches, you can contact Lahti Environmental Health.