Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending regulations of: 16 November 2010 [shall come into force from 24 November 2010]; 7 June 2011 [shall come into force from 11 June 2011]; 20 March 2012 [shall come into force from 30 March 2012]. If a whole or part of a paragraph has been amended, the date of the amending regulation appears in square brackets at the end of the paragraph. If a whole paragraph or sub-paragraph has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted paragraph or sub-paragraph.

Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 608 Adopted 6 July 2010

Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public

Issued pursuant to
Section 5, Paragraph ten, Clauses 6, 8 and 10 and
Section 22, Paragraph five of
the Water Management Law

[20 March 2012]

I. General Provisions

1. This Regulation prescribes:

1.1. the requirements for the monitoring of bathing water;

1.2. the procedures for the assessment and classification of bathing water;

1.3. the measures for ensuring of bathing water quality and protection of human health;

1.4. the requirements for informing the public regarding bathing water quality;

1.5. the requirements for bathing water profiles;

1.6. the procedures for the placement of informative signs or symbols regarding a bathing site.

[16 November 2010; 20 March 2012]

2. This Regulation shall not apply to swimming pools and spa waters, as well as artificially created confined waters separated from surface water and groundwater.

3. The Health Inspectorate, according to the calendar plan for monitoring of bathing water, shall every year from 15 May to 15 September (hereinafter - bathing season) perform monitoring of the water quality at the bathing sites determined in the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for the creation and maintenance of bathing sites.

[20 March 2012]

4. A legal person or natural person upon whose initiative a bathing site has been created (hereinafter - the manager of the bathing site) has the right during the bathing season for its own budget resources, in conformity with the requirements of this Regulation:

4.1. to perform the bathing water monitoring and quality assessment of such bathing sites which are not included in the list of bathing sites to be monitored, using the funds from the State budget;

4.2. to perform additional monitoring at more frequent intervals or beyond the bathing season of those bathing sites which are included in the list of bathing sites to be monitored, using the funds from the State budget.

[20 March 2012]

5. The manager of the bathing site shall, by 31 October of the relevant year, submit information to the Health Inspectorate regarding the results of the monitoring referred to in Paragraph 4 of this Regulation, laboratories which have tested the water samples of the relevant bathing site, as well as the methods used for testing. The Health Inspectorate shall include the results of monitoring in a set of bathing water quality data. The set of bathing water quality data shall be used for the quality assessment of bathing water.

[20 March 2012]

6. The laboratories which have been accredited at the Latvian National Accreditation Bureau of the limited liability company "Standardisation, Accreditation and Metrology Centre" (hereinafter - Accreditation Bureau) in accordance with the standard LVS EN ISO/IEC17025:2005, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, and regarding which information has been published on the website of the Accreditation Bureau (www.latak.lv) are entitled to test water samples of bathing water.

[20 March 2012]

6.¹ Bathing water shall considered polluted, if in performing observations in accordance with Paragraph 12 of this Regulation, the micro-organisms referred to in Annex 1 to this Regulation or other organisms, or waste that affects the water quality and causes risk to the health of bathers are determined.

[7 June 2011]

II. Requirements for Monitoring Bathing Water

6.² On the basis of the information provided by local governments regarding tendencies in visiting bathing sites, as well as the improvement measures taken therein for promotion of bathing, each year until 1 December the Health Inspectorate shall identify all bathing waters, taking into account that a large number of people will be bathing therein and that the Health Inspectorate has not established a permanent bathing prohibition or has not permanently advised against bathing for at least one bathing season, and shall provide proposals to the Ministry of Health regarding the necessary amendments to the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for the creation and maintenance of a bathing site.

[7 June 2011; 20 March 2012]

7. The Health Inspectorate shall, by 15 April of each year, submit to the Ministry of Health a draft plan of the monitoring calendar regarding the control time of bathing sites referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation. The Ministry of Health shall approve the relevant plan of monitoring calendar by 30 April of the relevant year.

8. The monitoring shall be performed within four days after the date determined in the plan of the monitoring calendar. The information obtained during the monitoring shall form a set of bathing water quality data.

9. Deviations from the plan of monitoring calendar shall be possible in emergency situations, if conditions affecting the bathing water quality in the particular territory have arisen, not more than once every four years. The control of bathing sites included in the plan of the monitoring calendar shall be resumed as soon as possible after the end of the emergency situation in order to replace the missing samples which were not taken due to the emergency situation.

[7 June 2011]

10. Water samples of bathing waters shall be taken at places of permanent observation, where a large number of bathers are present or the greatest risk for pollution is expected in accordance with the bathing water profile, taking into account the following requirements:

10.1. one water sample shall be taken before the beginning of every bathing season. Taking into account the quality indicators obtained for the relevant water sample, not less than four water samples shall be taken and analysed in every bathing season;

10.2. equal intervals shall be determined between the times of water sample taking during the whole bathing season. The referred-to interval shall not exceed one month;

10.3. if short-term pollution has been determined, one more water sample shall be taken additionally in order to confirm that the water is not polluted anymore. The microbiological contamination referred to in Annex 1 to this Regulation shall be considered as a short-term contamination, if it has clearly identifiable reasons and it does not affect the quality of the bathing water for more than 72 hours, and regarding which the Health Inspectorate has developed procedures in order to prevent pollution in accordance with Annex 4 to this Regulation. The water sample taken additionally during the short-term contamination and after prevention thereof shall not be included in the set of bathing water quality data. If necessary, a water sample shall be taken within seven days after short-term pollution is no longer determined, in order to supplement the set of bathing water quality data.

[7 June 2011]

11. The bathing water quality shall be determined in accordance with Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation. In the determination of bathing water quality, it is allowed to use other methods of analysis, if they are equivalent to the reference methods of analysis referred to in Annexes 1 and 3 to this Regulation and comply with the requirements referred to in Annex 2 to this Regulation.

12. When taking the sample of bathing water, in order to determine the conformity thereof to the indicators referred to in Annex 1 to this Regulation, the following actions shall be performed additionally:

12.1. visual observations of cyanobacterial proliferation in order to determine water bloom and threat to the health of bathers in a timely manner, particularly if the bathing water profile indicates that cyanobacterial proliferation is possible;

12.2. visual observations in order to determine the contamination of bathing water with any type of floating and other waste (for example, petroleum products, glass or plastic);

12.3. visual observations in order to determine the contamination with surfactants the presence of which is indicated by long-lasting foam.

[The requirements referred to in Sub-paragraph 12.1 regarding bathing water profiles shall come into force on 24 March 2011; see Paragraph 36]

III. Procedures for the Quality Assessment and Classification of Bathing Water

13. The Health Inspectorate shall assess the water quality of each bathing site referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation after the end of each bathing season, taking into account the set of bathing water quality data of the relevant bathing water regarding the last four years (including the last bathing season) and the requirements referred to in Annexes 1 and 4 to this Regulation.

14. On the basis of the bathing water quality assessment referred to in Paragraph 13 of this Regulation, the Health Inspectorate shall, in accordance with the requirements referred to in Annex 4 to this Regulation, classify bathing water pursuant to the quality thereof as:

14.1. poor quality bathing water;

14.2. sufficient quality bathing water;

14.3. good quality bathing water;

14.4. excellent quality bathing water.

15. It is allowed to carry out bathing water assessment on the basis of the set of bathing water quality data where the water quality indicators are compiled for less than four bathing seasons, if:

15.1. the bathing site has been identified anew;

15.2. any changes have occurred that are likely to affect the classification of the bathing water in accordance with Paragraph 14 of this Regulation. In such case the assessment of the bathing water shall be carried out on the basis of the set of bathing water quality data consisting solely of the results for samples collected since the changes occurred in the classification of the bathing water;

15.3. the quality of the bathing water has already been assessed in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the surface water and groundwater quality. In such case appropriate information obtained in accordance with the referred-to laws and regulations shall be used, considering that the indicator of the number of faecal coliforms is equivalent to the indicator of the number of Escherichia coli referred to in Annex 1 to this Regulation.

16. In a set of bathing water quality data, which is used for bathing water quality assessment for the last four years or for a shorter time period in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 15 of this Regulation, not less than 16 water samples shall be included.

17. Taking into account a bathing water quality assessment, bathing waters of one water body may by divided or grouped together only if:

17.1. bathing waters are contiguous;

17.2. the quality of bathing water has received similar assessments for the preceding four years in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation;

17.3. bathing water profiles identify common risk factors or the absence thereof.

[Sub-paragraph 17.3 shall come into force on 24 March 2011; see Paragraph 36]

18. The Health Inspectorate shall assess the quality of the bathing water immediately after collecting of each water sample in accordance with the requirements referred to in Annex 3 to this Regulation.

III.¹ Requirements for Bathing Water Profiles

[16 November 2010]

18.¹ The Health Inspectorate in co-operation with the State limited liability company "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" and other competent organisations shall develop water profiles for the bathing sites determined in the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for the creation and maintenance of bathing sites.

[20 March 2012]

18.² Water profiles may apply to individual bathing waters or to contiguous bathing waters of one water body, if such bathing sites are located in one water body.

18.³ When developing, reviewing and updating water profiles, the information included in water management plans of river basin districts and local government spatial plans, the data of bathing water quality monitoring, as well as other information, shall be used.

18.⁴ The following information shall be included in a water profile:

18.⁴1. regarding the physical, geographical and hydrological characteristics of the bathing water, and of other surface waters in the catchment area of the bathing water concerned, which could be a source of pollution and which are important for the bathing water quality management, as well as the management of river catchment areas;

18.⁴2. regarding causes of pollution that might affect the quality of bathing waters and the health of bathers and assessment thereof;

18.⁴3. regarding the locations of the bathing water quality monitoring points;

18.⁴4. regarding the potential for proliferation of cyanobacteria, including the assessment of chemical and other factors, which may cause mass spread of cyanobacteria;

18.⁴5. regarding the potential for proliferation of macro-algae and phytoplankton.

18.⁵ The information referred to in Sub-paragraphs 18.⁴1 and 18.⁴2 of this Regulation shall be provided on a detailed map whenever practicable.

18.⁶ State administrative and local government institutions, as well as State and local government limited liability companies shall, free of charge, provide the Health Inspectorate with the information and data necessary for the development of water profiles, and they shall establish and maintain the information and data for the funds from the State budget.

18.⁷ If the assessment referred to in Sub-paragraphs 18.⁴4 and 18.⁴5 of this Regulation has not been performed for the funds from the State budget, the owner or possessor of the bathing site shall provide the relevant information and data.

18.⁸ Other relevant information may be appended to the water profile or included therein.

18.⁹ If the assessment performed in Sub-paragraph 18.⁴2 of this Regulation testifies regarding short-term pollution risk, the following additional information shall be included in the water profile:

18.⁹1. the anticipated nature, frequency and duration of expected short-term pollution;

18.⁹2. identification of pollution sources and assessment of the impact caused thereby;

18.⁹3. management measures to be taken and the time schedule for elimination of the causes of pollution.

18.¹⁰ If short-term pollution has been observed in a bathing site, the water profile shall include the description of the management measures performed during the short-term pollution, as well as the name and contact information of the institutions, which are responsible for such measures.

18.¹¹ The draft water profile shall be published on the website of the Health Inspectorate, providing an opportunity for all interested parties and the public to express their opinion on the referred to draft during one month.

18.¹² The water profile shall be reviewed in accordance with Paragraph 14 of this Regulation:

18.¹²1. at least once every four years if bathing water has been classified as good quality water;

18.¹²2. at least once every three years if bathing water has been classified as sufficient quality water;

18.¹²3. at least once every two years if bathing water has been classified as poor quality water.

18.¹³ The water profile shall be reviewed, assessing whether any of the aspects referred to in Paragraphs 18.⁴, 18.⁸, 18.⁹ and 18.¹⁰ of this Regulation has not changed, and, if necessary, the information included in the profile shall be updated. The information to be updated in the water profile shall be determined on the basis of the nature of the pollution and hazard thereof.

18.¹⁴ If bathing water has been classified as excellent quality water, the water profile shall be reviewed and, if necessary, updated only if the quality of water changes to good, sufficient or poor.

18.¹⁵ In the event of significant construction works or significant changes in the infrastructure in or in the vicinity of the bathing water, which according to the environmental impact assessment may affect or affect the quality of the bathing water, the local government in the administrative territory of which the bathing water is located, shall inform the Health Inspectorate thereof. The Health Inspectorate shall update the water profile before the beginning of the next bathing season.

[20 March 2012]

18.¹⁶ [20 March 2012]

IV. Measures for Ensuring the Quality of Bathing Water and the Protection of Human Health

19. The State limited liability company "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" in co-operation with the Health Inspectorate shall include measures in the management plans of river basin districts in order to:

19.1. increase the number of such bathing sites where water conforms to excellent or good quality;

19.2. prevent the reasons for excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria, macro-algae and marine phytoplankton, if they, in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraphs 24 and 25 of this Regulation, may cause harm to human health.

20. If the bathing water has been classified as poor quality water, the following measures shall be taken starting from the bathing season following the water classification:

20.1. the Health Inspectorate, taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, shall establish a bathing prohibition or advise against bathing in the relevant bathing water, with a view to prevent harm to human health, as well as take other appropriate management measures;

20.2. the Health Inspectorate, in accordance with the competence thereof, shall indicate the causes and reasons for the failure to achieve sufficient water quality status;

20.3. the manager of the bathing site shall take measures to prevent, reduce or eliminate the causes of pollution;

20.4. the Health Inspectorate and the manager of the bathing site shall provide information to the public in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation.

[7 June 2011; 20 March 2012]

21. If bathing water is classified as poor quality water for five consecutive years, the Health Inspectorate shall, taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a permanent bathing prohibition or advise against bathing until sufficient bathing water quality is achieved.

22. If a bathing water profile provides indication that it will not be classified as sufficient quality bathing water or for reaching of such aim disproportionate costs are required, the Ministry of Health shall prepare appropriate amendments to laws and regulations in order to exclude the bathing site from the list of bathing sites or shall send a relevant request to the local government in the territorial planning of which the relevant bathing site is included.

23. In situations which adversely impact bathing water quality and endanger the bathers' health or there are reasonable suspicions that an adverse impact is possible (emergency situation), the Health Inspectorate shall, taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a temporary bathing prohibition or temporarily advise against bathing, informing the public thereof without delay, as well as take other appropriate and timely management measures.

[7 June 2011]

24. If the Health Inspectorate determines cyanobacterial proliferation (reproduction of cyanobacteria - blooming of algae in the form of scum or cyanobacterial paint) and there is a basis to presume that it may harm human health, the Health Inspectorate shall establish a bathing prohibition in the relevant bathing site without delay, informing the public thereof without delay, as well as take other appropriate and timely management measures.

[7 June 2011]

25. If the bathing water profile indicates a tendency for excessive proliferation of macro-algae or marine phytoplankton, the Health Inspectorate shall evaluate how it would affect bathers' health and, if necessary, taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a bathing prohibition or advise against bathing in the relevant bathing site, informing the public thereof without delay, as well as take other appropriate and timely management measures.

[7 June 2011]

26. If bathing water is polluted with floating and other waste (for example, oil products, glass, plastic or surfactants), the following measures shall be taken:

26.1. the Health Inspectorate shall evaluate how the pollution will affect bathers' health and, if necessary, taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a bathing prohibition or advise against bathing in the relevant bathing site, notifying thereof in the mass media;

26.2. the State Environmental Service shall determine the reasons for the pollution;

26.3. after the liquidation of reasons for pollution, the manager of the bathing site shall take the necessary measures for purification of the bathing water from pollution;

26.4. the Health Inspectorate shall carry out extraordinary visual observations of the bathing water, as well as other appropriate management measures.

[7 June 2011; 20 March 2012]

27. After the bathing water quality inspection referred to in Paragraph 18 of this Regulation the Health Inspectorate shall determine whether it is allowed to bathe, it is not advised to bathe or it is prohibited to bathe.

28. If the bathing water quality depends on transboundary impact, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development and the Ministry of Health shall, in accordance with the Law On the Protocol on Water and Health Adopted under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes of 17 March 1992, co-operate with the involved competent authorities of the neighbouring country and co-ordinate the measures in order to prevent an adverse impact on the bathing water, as well as ensure appropriate information exchange.

[7 June 2011]

28.¹ The bathing water management measures shall include the following measures:

28.¹ 1. drawing up of the monitoring calendar;

28.¹ 2. monitoring of the bathing water;

28.¹ 3. quality assessment and qualification of bathing water;

28.¹ 4. drawing and maintaining of a bathing water profile;

28.¹ 5. identification of pollution and assessment of its impact in order to prevent harm to the health of bathers;

28.¹ 6. provision of information to the society;

28.¹ 7. measures in order to prevent the contact of bathers with pollution;

28.¹ 8. measures in order to reduce risk pollution.

[7 June 2011]

V. Requirements for Informing the Public Regarding Bathing Water Quality and Public Participation

29. The Health Inspectorate shall publish the bathing water quality inspection results on the Health Inspectorate's website as soon as possible after obtaining the bathing water quality results, as well as, if the bathing water quality has deteriorated, shall provide the following information to the mass media and the owner of the bathing water regarding the bathing water quality, where the monitoring has been carried out, using resources allocated from the State budget:

29.1. each year prior to the beginning of the bathing season - a list of bathing sites;

29.2. the results of quality assessment and classification of bathing water during the last three years, as well as a bathing water profile;

29.3. the results of monitoring of each bathing water;

29.4. regarding the causes, sources of pollution of poor quality bathing water and measures taken in order to prevent the causes of pollution and to restrict the bathers from coming into contact with pollution;

29.5. regarding prohibition to bathe or advice against bathing in the relevant bathing site, substantiating reasons thereof;

29.6. if bathing water is subject to short-term pollution:

29.6.1. a warning, if short-term pollution is envisaged or threats of pollution are possible, and the information regarding the expected duration thereof;

29.6.2. a notification that short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water;

29.6.3. information regarding circumstances which might have caused the short-term pollution;

29.6.4. information regarding causes for the short-term pollution and measures taken in order to prevent the causes of pollution and to restrict the bathers from coming into contact with pollution;

29.6.5. the information regarding the number of days in the preceding bathing season when it was prohibited to bathe or it was advised not to bathe due to short-term pollution;

29.7. regarding the nature and expected duration of an emergency situation;

29.8. regarding deletion of a bathing site from the list of bathing sites and reasons for deletion of the bathing site;

29.9. regarding establishment of permanent prohibition to bathe or advice against bathing in the relevant bathing site and the reasons for the referred to prohibition or advice.

[7 June 2011]

30. The manager of the bathing site shall ensure that the following information is accessible in an easily visible place during the bathing season:

30.1. regarding the prohibition to bathe or advice against bathing in the relevant bathing site, indicating the reasons in the informative stand and using the informative signs indicated in Paragraph 1 of Annex 5 to this Regulation;

30.2. regarding the current classification of bathing water quality, using the informative signs indicated in Paragraph 1 of Annex 5 to this Regulation;

30.3. a general description of the bathing water in a readily perceptible and comprehensible form prepared by the Health Inspectorate, based on the bathing water profile established in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding bathing waters profiles;

30.4. if short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water:

30.4.1. a notification that short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water;

30.4.2. the information regarding the number of days in the preceding bathing season when it was prohibited to bathe or it was advised against bathing due to short-term pollution;

30.4.3. a warning in case if if short-term pollution is envisaged or threats of pollution are possible;

30.5. regarding the nature and expected duration of an emergency situation;

30.6. regarding deletion of the bathing site from the list of bathing sites and reasons for deletion thereof;

30.7. regarding a permanent bathing prohibition or advice against bathing in the relevant bathing water, as well as the reasons for the referred to prohibitions or advice;

30.8. an indication to the Health Inspectorate's website and other sources where more detailed information regarding the bathing water quality is available.

[7 June 2011; 20 March 2012]

31. The Health Inspectorate shall publish the information on the website regarding the possibilities for the public to get involved voluntarily in the performance of bathing water monitoring by carrying out visual observations of the bathing waters quality, as well as regarding the possibilities to participate in the establishing, updating and renewal of the list of bathing sites to be monitored, using the resources allocated from the State budget. The Health Inspectorate shall assess the submitted proposals and, if they are substantiated, take them into account.

32. The Health Inspectorate shall establish a site on the website where the public may provide suggestions, ask questions, leave remarks or complaints regarding the fulfilment of the requirements of this Regulation.

VI. Information to be Provided to the European Commission

33. The Ministry of Health shall, each year before the beginning of the bathing season, submit the list of bathing sites referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation to the European Commission, substantiating any changes in comparison with the preceding year.

34. The Ministry of Health shall, by 31 December of each year, submit the following information to the European Commission:

34.1. the results of bathing water monitoring and assessment of the previous bathing season;

34.2. regarding the methods used for the analysis of monitoring indicators, which differ from the methods referred to in Annex 1 to this Regulation, providing the relevant substantiation;

34.3. regarding derogations from the requirements referred to in Annex 2 to this Regulation in relation to sample collection of bathing water, providing the relevant substantiation;

34.4. regarding cases when implementation of the plan of the monitoring calendar has been discontinued in the preceding bathing season;

34.5. regarding significant management measures carried out.

VII. Closing Provisions

35. Cabinet Regulation No. 523 of 7 July 2008, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Waters, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2008, No. 108), is repealed.

36. The requirements referred to in Paragraph 10, Sub-paragraphs 12.1 and 29.2 of this Regulation in relation to bathing water profiles, as well as Paragraph 25 and Sub-paragraphs 17.3 and 30.3 of this Regulation shall come into force on 24 March 2011.

37. The information referred to in Paragraphs 29 and 30 of this Regulation shall be provided as soon as possible after obtaining thereof, but not later than until 15 May 2012. If possible, the information shall be prepared also in the form of geospatial information.

38. The manager of the bathing site referred to in Paragraph 3 of this Regulation shall, until 15 September 2015, ensure the compliance of the bathing water at least with the requirements laid down for bathing water of sufficient quality.

[20 March 2012]

39. Water profiles shall be developed until 24 March 2011.

[16 November 2010]

40. The Health Inspectorate shall perform the classification of bathing water referred to in Paragraph 14 of this Regulation according to its quality not later than until the end of the bathing season of 2015.

[7 June 2011]

Informative Reference to European Union Directive

This Regulation contains legal norms arising from Directive 2006/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2006 concerning the management of bathing water quality and repealing Directive 76/160/EEC.

Prime Minister V. Dombrovskis

Acting for the Minister for Health -
the Minister for Interior L. Mūrniece

 

Annex 1
Cabinet Regulation No. 608
6 July 2010

Bathing Water Monitoring Indicators and Quality Criteria

I. Inland Waters

No.	Parameter	Excellent quality	Good quality	Sufficient quality	Reference method of analysis
1.	Intestinal enterococci (CFU3/100 ml)	2001	4001	3302	LVS EN ISO 7899-1 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci in surface and waste water - Part 1: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium" or LVS EN ISO 7899-2 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci. Part 2: Membrane filtration method"
2.	Escherichia coli (CFU3/100 ml)	5001	10001	9002	LVS EN ISO 9308-1 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. Part 1: Membrane filtration method" or LVS EN ISO 9308-3 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in surface and waste water - Part 3: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium"

¹ In accordance with the procedures for calculation of the 95-percentile laid down in Annex 4 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Bathing Waters Monitoring, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Public Information.

² In accordance with the procedures for calculation of the 90-percentile laid down in Annex 4 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Bathing Waters Monitoring, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Public Information.

³ CFU - colony-forming units.

II. Costal and Transitional Waters

No.	Parameter	Excellent quality	Good quality	Sufficient quality	Reference method of analysis
1.	Intestinal enterococci (CFU3/100 ml)	1001	2001	1852	LVS EN ISO 7899-1 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci in surface and waste water - Part 1: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium" or LVS EN ISO 7899-2 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci. Part 2: Membrane filtration method"
2.	Escherichia coli (CFU3/100 ml)	2501	5001	5002	LVS EN ISO 9308-1 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. Part 1: Membrane filtration method" or LVS EN ISO 9308-3 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in surface and waste water - Part 3: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium"

¹ In accordance with the procedures for calculation of the 95-percentile laid down in Annex 4 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Bathing Waters Monitoring, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Public Information.

² In accordance with the procedures for calculation of the 90-percentile laid down in Annex 4 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Bathing Waters Monitoring, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Public Information.

³ CFU - colony-forming units.

Acting for the Minister for Health -
the Minister for the Interior L. Mūrniece

 

Annex 2
Cabinet Regulation No. 608
6 July 2010

[7 June 2011]

Requirements for Taking of Water Samples at Bathing Sites for the Microbiological Analysis

1. Where possible, samples are to be taken 30 centimetres below the water's surface. Water shall be at least one metre deep. If necessary, water sample shall be taken from a boat.

2. The water sample bottles shall comply with one of the following requirements:

2.1. they have undergone sterilisation in an autoclave for at least 15 minutes at 121^ºC temperature;

2.2. dry sterilisation has been performed at between 160^ºC and 170^ºC temperature for at least one hour; or

2.3. sample containers obtained in a sterile packaging directly from the manufacturer have been irradiated.

3. Water sampling:

3.1. the volume of the water sampling bottle (container) depends on the quantity of water needed for each parameter to be tested. The minimum content of a bottle (container) is 250 ml;

3.2. water sample bottles (containers) are made of transparent and non-coloured material (glass or plastic - polyethene or polypropylene);

3.3. in order to prevent accidental contamination of the water sample, the sampler shall use aseptic sampling method which allows preserving the sterility of the tray and does not contaminate the sample. If the sample is taken according to such method, additional sterile equipment (for example, sterile surgical gloves, pliers, pole) is not necessary;

3.4. the water sample shall be clearly identified in indelible ink on the bottle (container) and a notation shall be made on the water sampling form.

4. Storage and transport of water samples before the analysis:

4.1. water sample shall be protected at all stages of transport from exposure to light (in particular direct sunlight);

4.2. until delivery to the laboratory, the water sample shall be kept at a temperature of around 4^ºC, in a cool box or refrigerator (depending on climate). If the transport to the laboratory is likely to take more than four hours, then transport in a refrigerator is required;

4.3. the time between water sampling and analysis shall be kept as short as possible. It is recommended to analyse the water sample on the same working day. If this is impossible, the water sample shall be analysed within not more than 24 hours after receipt thereof. In the meantime, water samples shall be stored in the dark and at a temperature of 4^ºC ± 3^ºC.

Acting for the Minister for Health -
the Minister for the Interior L. Mūrniece

 

Annex 3
Cabinet Regulation No. 608
6 July 2010

Indicators, Limit Values and Reference Methods of Analysis of Immediate Assessment of Bathing Water Quality

No.	Parameter	Limit Value	Reference method of analysis
1.	Intestinal enterococci (CFU/100 ml)	100	LVS EN ISO 7899-1 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci in surface and waste water - Part 1: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium" or LVS EN ISO 7899-2 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of intestinal enterococci. Part 2: Membrane filtration method"
2.	Escherichia coli (CFU/100 ml)	2000	LVS EN ISO 9308-1 : 2006 "Water quality. Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. Part 1: Membrane filtration method" or LVS EN ISO 9308-3 : 2006 " Water quality - Detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in surface and waste water - Part 3: Miniaturized method (most probable number) by inoculation in liquid medium"
3.	Bloom of cyanobacteria and other phytoplankton	Not permitted	Visual check
4.	Oil products	Without characteristic smell and floating film	Organoleptic and visual check
5.	Surfactants	Without long-lasting foam	Visual check
6.	Contamination with floating and other waste	Not permitted	Visual check

Note. CFU - colony-forming units.

Acting for the Minister for Health -
the Minister for the Interior L. Mūrniece

 

Annex 4
Cabinet Regulation No. 608
6 July 2010

Requirements for Bathing Water Quality Assessment and Classification

1. Bathing water shall be classified as poor quality water if, in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period (^a), the percentile value (^b) for microbiological enumerations is less (^c) than the value of the sufficient quality determined in Annex 1 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public.

2. The bathing water shall be classified as sufficient quality water:

2.1. if, in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period, the percentile value for microbiological enumerations is equal to or higher (^d) than the value of the sufficient quality determined in Annex 1 to Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public;

2.2. if short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water, however:

2.2.1. adequate management measures are being taken, including surveillance of the pollution situation, early warning systems and monitoring, with a view to preventing bathers' exposure by means of a warning or, where necessary, a bathing prohibition;

2.2.2. adequate management measures are being taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate the causes of pollution;

2.2.3. the number of samples disregarded in accordance with Sub-paragraph 10.3 of Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public, because of short-term pollution during the last assessment period does not exceed 15% of the total number of samples provided for in the plan of the monitoring calendar established for that period, or does not exceed one sample per bathing season.

3. The bathing water shall be classified as good quality water:

3.1. if, in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period, the percentile value for microbiological enumerations is equal to or higher than the value of the excellent quality determined in Annex 2 to the Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public;

3.2. if short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water, however:

3.2.1. adequate management measures are being taken, including surveillance of the pollution situation, early warning systems and monitoring, with a view to preventing bathers' exposure by means of a warning or, where necessary, a bathing prohibition;

3.2.2. adequate management measures are being taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate the causes of pollution;

3.2.3. the number of samples disregarded in accordance with Sub-paragraph 10.3 of the Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public, because of short-term pollution during the last assessment period does not exceed 15% of the total number of samples provided for in the plan of the monitoring calendar established for that period, or does not exceed one sample per bathing season.

4. The bathing water shall be classified as excellent quality water:

4.1. if, in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period, the percentile value for microbiological enumerations is equal to or higher than the value of the excellent quality determined in Annex 1 to the Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public;

4.2. if short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water, however:

4.2.1. adequate management measures are being taken, including surveillance of the pollution situation, early warning systems and monitoring, with a view to preventing bathers' exposure by means of a warning or, where necessary, a bathing prohibition;

4.2.2. adequate management measures are being taken to prevent, reduce or eliminate the causes of pollution;

4.2.3. the number of samples disregarded in accordance with Sub-paragraph 10.3 of the Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public, because of short-term pollution during the last assessment period does not exceed 15% of the total number of samples provided for in the plan of the monitoring calendar established for that period, or does not exceed one sample per bathing season.

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(^a) Last assessment period means a particular bathing season, last four bathing seasons or period of time which is less than last four bathing seasons, if the requirements provided for in Paragraph 14 of Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public, are observed.

(^b) Percentile shall be calculated on the basis of the data probability density function for all values of microbiological enumerations for the particular bathing water, expressed as the log₁₀ values:

1) calculate log₁₀ value for all values of microbiological enumerations in the relevant data row (if any of the values equals zero, log₁₀ value from the smallest detection limit of the used analytical method shall be taken);

2) calculate arithmetic mean (µ) of all log₁₀ values obtained;

3) calculate standard deviation (σ) of all log₁₀ values obtained;

4) the upper 90-percentile value shall be calculated, using the following equation:

upper 90-percentile = antilog (µ + 1.282 σ);

5) the upper 95-percentile value shall be calculated, using the following equation:

upper 95-percentile = antilog (µ +1.65 σ);

(^c) Higher concentration value expressed as CFU/100 ml.

(^d) Lower concentration value expressed as CFU/100 ml.

Acting for the Minister for Health -
the Minister for the Interior L. Mūrniece

 

Annex 5
Cabinet Regulation No. 608
6 July 2010

[20 March 2012]

Informative Signs

I. Informative Signs with an Indication Regarding Prohibition to Bathe or Advice against Bathing

1. Informative sign with the indication regarding prohibition to bathe or advice against bathing is rectangular, its height in relation to its width is 1:2.

2. Informative sign consists of a symbol on the left side of the sign and an inscription "Ieteikums nepeldēties" (advice against bathing) (Figure 1) or "Peldēties aizliegts" (bathing prohibited" (Figure 2) on the right side of the sign.

3. The symbol is in the shape of circle. The edges and diagonal line of the symbol is red. There is black pictogram in the middle of the symbol on white background.

4. The inscription is black, the height of the letters is not less than 15 mm.

5. The dimensions of the informative sign are not less than 200 x 400 mm.

6. Informative sign shall be perceived as a whole image. Informative sign may not be altered, and it shall be reproduced without altering the proportions and colours.

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

II. Informative Signs with Indication Regarding Water Classification of the Bathing Site

1. Informative sign with the indication regarding water classification of the bathing site is rectangular, its height in relation to its width is 1:2.

2. Informative sign consists of the symbol with designation (corresponding number of stars or a dash) on the left side of the sign and the inscription with designation on the right side of the sign:

2.1. "Izcila peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" (excellent water quality of the bathing site) (Figure 3);

2.2. "Laba peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" (good water quality of the bathing site) (Figure 4);

2.3. "Pietiekama peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" (sufficient water quality of the bathing site) (Figure 5);

2.4. "Zema peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" (low water quality of the bathing site) (Figure 6).

3. The symbol is in the shape of square. The edges of the symbol are dark blue. There is dark blue pictogram in the middle of the symbol on white background.

4. The inscription is black, the height of the letters is not less than 10 mm. Designations (stars and dash) is dark blue.

5. The dimensions of the informative sign are not less than 200 x 400 mm.

6. Informative sign shall be perceived as a whole image. Informative sign may not be altered, and it shall be reproduced without altering the proportions and colours.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

 

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Translation © 2014 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)