Beach water quality
In the Tampere environmental health control area, there are a total of 75 beaches in Tampere, Orivesi, Juupajoki, Kangasala, Pälkäne, Valkeakoski, Akaa and Urjala, where water quality is regularly monitored during the bathing season from 15 June to 31 August.
Water quality monitoring
During the summer, 3-4 bathing water samples are taken from the beaches depending on the number of visitors. The results are available on the notice boards at the beaches and on Finnish website. If a sample exceeds the action threshold, an additional sample is taken and the cause and possible health damage are assessed. If necessary, the health protection authority can order the operator to take corrective measures and ban bathing at the beach. If blue-green algae are found on the beach, a leaflet will be placed on the beach to inform bathers of the health risks of blue-green algae and to give them advice.
Beaches will also be inspected by the Health Protection Services in accordance with the monitoring plan, which includes checks on the condition of structures, the cleanliness of the beach and waste management.
The monitoring of bathing water quality is in line with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's Regulations 177/2008 and 354/2008, which are based on the EU Bathing Water Directive. The assessment of bathing water quality is based on the monitoring of two microbiological parameters that characterise intestinal contamination, enterococci and Escherichia coli. The presence of cyanobacteria, blue-green algae, is also monitored by sensory methods.
Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria
Blue-green algae occur naturally in all water bodies. Their occurrence is influenced by factors such as nutrient status and temperature. Blue-green algae are found from spring until late autumn, but are most abundant in mid- to late summer. Some blue-green algae are toxic. Blue-green algae should always be treated as toxic, as the toxicity of blue-green algae cannot be determined without laboratory testing. Toxic blue-green algae produce compounds that irritate the skin and are nerve and liver toxic.
People's susceptibility to the symptoms of blue-green algae varies widely. Blue-green algae can cause red and itchy skin, eye or nose symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure to blue-green algae. If symptoms occur, wash the skin and eyes thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Symptoms usually last for a few days at most. If necessary, seek medical attention or take the animal to a veterinarian.
During the presence of blue-green algae:
- Do not swim in water with a lot of algae. Even a small amount of algae should be treated with caution and you should shower after swimming. Children should not be allowed on the beach when blue-green algae have been found in the water, as they often swallow the water while swimming and playing. Domestic animals should also be kept away from the beach.
- Water should not be used as drinking water for humans or animals.
- Do not use water for cooking, washing dishes or watering edible plants.
- Do not use water for washing or in the sauna.
Blue-green algae situation at beaches
The blue-green algae situation at beaches is monitored during sampling and other inspections. If blue-green algae are found on a beach, a warning sign is placed on the beach. However, the blue-green algae situation can change very quickly depending on weather conditions. Please consider swimming depending on the situation.
How to identify blue-green algae
A small amount of blue-green algae will look like green or yellowish particles in the water. Narrow strips of algae may drift onto the beach. Large amounts of blue-green algae form green patches in the water and accumulate on beaches. The mass of algae can be tested with a stick. If it breaks up in clumps in the water, it is probably blue-green algae. If the algae remains on the stick, it is something other than blue-green algae. Another method is to take a glass of algae-containing water and let it stand for an hour or so. The algae is likely to be blue-green algae if green particles rise to the surface of the water.