Procedures for Establishing and Maintaining a Bathing Water Site and Managing its Water QualityIssued pursuant to I. General Provisions1. This Regulation prescribes: 1.1. the procedures for establishing and maintaining a bathing water site; 1.2. the bathing water sites where during the bathing season water is monitoring is carried out from the State budget resources; 1.3. the safety and hygiene requirements for bathing water sites; 1.4. the requirements for informing the public and the procedures for placing informative signs or symbols for a bathing water site; 1.5. the requirements for bathing water monitoring; 1.6. the procedures for bathing water assessment and classification; 1.7. the requirements for bathing water profiles; 1.8. the measures for ensuring bathing water quality and protection of human health. 2. The requirements of the Regulation shall apply to the bathing water sites referred to in Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation, which have been recognised by the Health Inspectorate as attended by a large number of bathers on the basis of the information provided by local governments regarding attendance tendencies of the bathing water sites existing in the respective administrative territory, as well as the infrastructure of bathing water sites, the installations existing therein or the performed improvement measures for promotion of bathing. 3. Requirements of the Regulation shall not be applicable to swimming pools (including public swimming pools used for swimming, leisure activities and preventive treatment, as well as spa swimming pools in accordance with laws and regulations regarding hygiene requirements for public swimming pools), confined waters subject to treatment or used for medical purposes, as well as artificially created, confined waters separated from surface water and groundwater. 4. Each year local governments shall evaluate information regarding the bathing water sites existing in their territory, and submit a proposal to the Health Inspectorate by 31 December, if a bathing site needs to be included in the list referred to in Annex 1 or 2 to this Regulation or deleted therefrom. 5. A manager of a bathing water site - a legal or natural person on whose initiative the bathing water site has been established - shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the bathing water site, conformity thereof with the safety and hygiene requirements, as well as placing of informative signs and other information regarding the bathing water site in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation. 6. Within the meaning of this Regulation, bathing water management measures shall include the following: 6.1. the development of a plan for monitoring calendar; 6.2. the bathing water monitoring; 6.3. the assessment and classification of the bathing water quality; 6.4. the development and maintenance of a bathing water profile; 6.5. the identification of pollution and its impact assessment so that it would not cause harm to the health of bathers; 6.6. the provision of information to the public; 6.7. the measures to prevent the bathers from coming into contact with pollution; 6.8. the measures to reduce risk of pollution. 7. The implementation of this Regulation shall be controlled by the Health Inspectorate. II. Procedures for Establishing and Maintaining a Bathing Water Site, as well as the Safety and Hygiene Requirements at a Bathing Water Site8. A bathing water site shall be established based on the use specified (permitted) in the spatial plan of the respective local government. Borders of the bathing water site shall be determined by the local government, in the administrative territory of which the respective bathing water site is located. 9. It is prohibited to arrange a bathing water site and it may not be located: 9.1. at a wastewater inflow site or in its immediate vicinity - a distance that is less than the distance necessary for complete mixing of the water. The requirement shall not apply to rain wastewater inflow sites if, based on the water profile of the respective bathing water site drawn up in accordance with this Regulation, the water quality of the bathing water site does not deteriorate due to rain wastewater, and the water of the bathing water site is classified at least as water of sufficient quality; 9.2. in the territory of an industrial undertaking or at a site where the water of port territory does not conform to the quality requirements, or at a site where operation of a port is hindered due to the bathing water site; 9.4. at a site, which has unfavourable hydrological conditions for a bathing site or an unstable bed; 9.4. at a site where vessels are intensively used. 10. Before the beginning of the bathing season the manager of the bathing water site shall: 10.1. establish footpaths in order to ensure access to the bathing water site; 10.2. ensure that the bathing water site has an access road which is necessary for emergency vehicles and vehicles that are used for the management, supervision and control of the bathing water site; 10.3. evaluate and, if possible, ensure environmental availability of the bathing water site and its facilities to persons with functional disorders, as well as access with baby carriages; 10.4. demarcate the bathing water with buoys, tapes or other floating materials; 10.5. establish a bathing area at the bathing water site for children up to 10 years of age, if possible. The bed of the area meant for children shall be selected or developed with a slight gradient and a maximum depth, which does not exceed 70 cm; 10.6. ensure a convenient access to water, safe basal terrain for the water body and protection against dangerous geological processes (for example, landsliding, slipping of the shoreline); 10.7. taking into account the load of the bathing site, evaluate the necessity to ensure the provision of a rescue service. 11. The manager of the bathing water site may establish functional sectors at the bathing water site (for example, sun-bathing zone, sports zone, childrenʼs area with a playground for children of preschool age, nudist zone). 12. During bathing season the manager of the bathing water site shall do the following at a bathing water site: 12.1. arrange WCs, providing for a sewage system with wastewater drainage into sewage network or local treatment plants, or place portable toilets; 12.2. arrange changing rooms; 12.3. place waste containers; 12.4. ensure loosening and sifting of surface layer of the sand of terrestrial part of the bathing water site where it is allowed; 12.5. ensure regular and timely collection and removal of waste. 13. The manager of the bathing water site shall ensure that such activities are not carried out at the bathing water site, which might pollute the bathing water site (for example, that animals are not present and are not walked or taken for a swim at the bathing water site). III. Requirements for Informing the Public and the Procedures for Placing Informative Signs or Symbols regarding a Bathing Water Site14. After obtaining results of the bathing water quality the Health Inspectorate shall publish the results of inspection on the website of the Health Inspectorate as soon as possible, and also provide the following information to the mass media and the manager of the bathing water site regarding those bathing water sites and their water quality where the monitoring has been carried out by using resources allocated from the State budget: 14.1. each year before the beginning of the bathing season - list of bathing water sites; 14.2. the results of quality assessment and qualification of bathing water over the last three years, as well as the bathing water profile; 14.3. the results of the bathing water quality monitoring; 14.4. regarding the causes and sources of pollution of poor quality bathing water, and the measures taken to prevent causes of pollution and to limit contact of swimmers with pollution; 14.5. regarding bathing prohibition or advice against bathing at the relevant bathing water site by providing a justification and specifying reasons; 14.6. if the bathing water is subject to short-term pollution: 14.6.1. a warning whenever short-term pollution is predicted or present, and the information regarding the expected duration thereof; 14.6.2. a notification that short-term pollution has been detected in the bathing water; 14.6.3. information regarding circumstances which might have caused the short-term pollution; 14.6.4. regarding the causes of short-term pollution, and the measures taken to prevent causes of pollution and to limit bathersʼ exposure to pollution; 14.6.5. 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; 14.7. in case of emergency, if water pollution is caused by an emergency situation - release of chemical, radioactive or biological substances into the environment - information regarding the nature and expected duration of the emergency situation; 14.8. regarding deletion of the bathing water site from the list of bathing water sites and reasons for its deletion; 14.9. regarding the determination of permanent bathing prohibition or advice against bathing in the relevant bathing water site and the reasons for the aforementioned prohibition or advice. 15. The Health Inspectorate shall ensure provision of the information referred to in Paragraph 14 of this Regulation to the public by indicating the location of the specific bathing water site in the territory of the relevant local government, as well as using the informative signs referred to in Annex 3 to this Regulation. 16. During the bathing season, the manager of the bathing water site shall place an information stand where the following shall be indicated at the bathing water site in a clearly visible place and safe manner: 16.1. the name of the bathing site; 16.2. the location of the particular bathing water site in the respective local government territory and the borders of the bathing water site, including the layout of the functional sectors and location of the rescue service, if such has been established in the territory of the bathing water site; 16.3. the hydrological characteristics of the bathing water site (for example, changes in the water level) and the morphological characteristics of the bed (for example, bed stability, safe basal terrain of the water site); 16.4. the maximum depth of the bathing water site; 16.5. instructions regarding the performance of first aid in the event of a drowning, if the bathing site has not been provided with a permanent rescue service; 16.6. the contact information of the manager of the bathing site, and the telephone numbers of the rescue service; 16.7. the requirements for observing public order at the bathing site according to the binding regulations drawn up by the respective local government; 16.8. information regarding safety requirements at the bathing water site in accordance with Annex 4 to this Regulation; 16.9. information regarding prohibition to bring animals to the bathing site; 16.10. information regarding smoking restrictions at the bathing water site in accordance with laws and regulations regarding handling of tobacco products, herbal products for smoking, electronic smoking devices and their liquids; 16.11. information regarding the bathing prohibition or advice against bathing at the relevant bathing water site by providing a justification and specifying reasons, as well as using the informative signs referred to in Paragraph 1 of Annex 3 to this Regulation; 16.12. information regarding the current bathing water quality classification by using the informative signs referred to in Paragraph 2 of Annex 3 to this Regulation; 16.13. the general bathing water profile prepared by the Health Inspectorate in conformity with the requirements of this Regulation in a form readily comprehensible to the public; 16.14. if short-term pollution has been found in the bathing water - the information prepared by the Health Inspectorate and referred to in Sub-paragraph 14.6 of this Regulation; 16.15. in case of emergency if water pollution is caused by an emergency situation - release of chemical, radioactive or biological substances into the environment - information regarding the nature and expected duration of the emergency situation; 16.16. information regarding deletion of the bathing water site from the list of bathing water sites and reasons for its deletion; 16.17. information regarding a permanent bathing prohibition or advice against bathing at the relevant bathing water site, and also the reasons for the aforementioned prohibitions or advice; 16.18. a reference to the website of the Health Inspectorate and other sources where detailed information regarding the bathing water quality is available. 17. The Health Inspectorate shall publish on its website information regarding the possibilities for the public to voluntarily participate in the performance of bathing water monitoring by carrying out visual observations of the bathing water quality, as well as regarding the possibilities to participate in the establishment, updating and renewal of the list of bathing water sites to be monitored by 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. 18. The Health Inspectorate shall create a section on its website where the public may provide suggestions, ask questions, leave remarks or complaints regarding the fulfilment of the requirements of this Regulation. IV. Requirements for Bathing Water Monitoring19. The Health Inspectorate shall, each year by 30 April, develop and approve a plan for the monitoring calendar of the bathing sites referred to in Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation. 20. The Health Inspectorate shall, each year from 15 May to 15 September, monitor the water quality at the bathing water sites referred to in Annexes 1 and 2 of this Regulation in accordance with the plan for monitoring calendar of the bathing water by using resources from the State budget. 21. Monitoring shall be performed within four days after the date specified in the plan for the monitoring calendar. The information obtained from the monitoring shall constitute a set of bathing water quality data. 22. Deviations from the plan for monitoring calendar shall be possible not more than once every four years in case of an emergency situation and conditions affecting the bathing water quality in the specific territory. Control of the bathing sites included in the plan for monitoring calendar shall be resumed as soon as possible after the end of the emergency situation in order to take the necessary samples which could not be taken due to the emergency situation. 23. Samples of bathing water shall be taken at places of permanent observations, where a large number of bathers are present or the greatest risk for pollution is expected in accordance with the bathing water profile. When taking samples the following requirements shall be satisfied: 23.1. one water sample shall be taken before the beginning of each bathing season. Considering the quality parameters obtained in the relevant water sample, at least four water samples shall be taken and analysed in each bathing season; 23.2. consistent intervals shall be determined between the times of taking of water samples during the entire bathing season. The abovementioned interval shall not exceed one month; 23.3. if short-term pollution has been found, an additional water sample shall be taken to confirm that the water is no longer polluted. Short-term pollution shall be considered the microbiological contamination referred to in Annex 5 to this Regulation, if it has clearly identifiable reasons and it does not affect the bathing water quality for more than 72 hours, and the Health Inspectorate has developed procedures for preventing pollution in accordance with Annex 6 to this Regulation. The water sample taken additionally during pollution and after its elimination 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 found in order to add information to the set of bathing water quality data. 24. When a sample of bathing water is taken to determine its conformity to the parameters referred to in Annex 5 to this Regulation, the following actions shall be additionally taken: 24.1. visual observations of cyanobacterial proliferation to determine water bloom and threat to the health of bathers in a timely manner, particularly if the bathing water profile indicates possible cyanobacterial proliferation; 24.2. visual observations to determine contamination of bathing water with any type of floating and other waste (for example, petroleum products, glass or plastic); 24.3. visual observations to determine contamination with surfactants the presence of which is indicated by long-lasting foam. 25. In conformity with the requirements of this Regulation, during the bating season the manager of the bathing water site has the right to take the following actions at its own expense: 25.1. to monitor and assess water quality at the bathing water sites which are not included in the list of bathing water sites to be monitored, using the funds from the State budget; 25.2. to perform additional monitoring at more frequent intervals or beyond the bathing season of those bathing water sites which are included in the list of bathing sites to be monitored, using the funds from the State budget. 26. The manager of the bathing site shall, by 31 October of the relevant year, submit information to the Health Inspectorate regarding results of the monitoring referred to in Paragraph 25 of this Regulation, laboratories which have tested water samples from the relevant bathing site, as well as the methods used for testing. The Health Inspectorate shall include the results of monitoring in the set of bathing water quality data. The set of bathing water quality data shall be used for the quality assessment of bathing water. 27. Laboratories, which have been accredited by the national accreditation institution in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding assessment, accreditation, and supervision of conformity assessment institutions, are entitled to test bathing water samples. V. Procedures for Bathing Water Quality Assessment and Classification28. The Ministry of Health shall recommend to the national standardisation body a list of the standards which can be applied in order to fulfil the requirements of this Regulation (hereinafter - the applicable standards). The national standardisation body shall publish on its website the list of the applicable standards that have been adapted to the status of national standards. 29. In accordance with Paragraph 32 of this Regulation, the bathing water quality shall be determined according to Annexes 5 and 7 to this Regulation. 30. Other analysis methods are allowed to be used for the determination of the bathing water quality if the results obtained thereby are equivalent to the results obtained to meet the requirements referred to in Annexes 5, 7 and 8 to this Regulation. 31. Bathing water shall be considered polluted if, during the observations in accordance with Paragraph 24 of this Regulation, the micro-organisms referred to in Annex 5 to this Regulation or any other organisms or waste is found which affects water quality and causes risk to the health of bathers. 32. After the end of each bathing season, the Health Inspectorate shall assess the water quality of each bathing water site referred to in Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation by taking into account the set of bathing water quality data over the last four years, including the last bathing season, and the requirements referred to in Annexes 5 and 6 to this Regulation. 33. On the basis of the bathing water quality assessment referred to in Paragraph 32 of this Regulation, the Health Inspectorate shall, in accordance with Annex 6 to this Regulation, assess and classify the bathing water quality by taking into account the determined water quality class: 33.1. poor quality bathing water; 33.2. sufficient quality bathing water; 33.3. good quality bathing water; 33.4. excellent quality bathing water. 34. Bathing water assessment on the basis of the set of bathing water quality data which comprises water quality parameters for less than four bathing seasons may be carried out if: 34.1. it is a new bathing water site; 34.2. changes have occurred that are likely to affect the classification of the bathing water in accordance with Paragraph 33 of this Regulation. In such case the bathing water shall be assessed on the basis of the set of bathing water quality data which comprises solely the results of analysis of the water samples taken after changes in the bathing water classification; 34.3. the bathing water quality has already been assessed in accordance with laws and regulations regarding surface water and groundwater quality. In such case appropriate information obtained in accordance with the aforementioned laws and regulation shall be used, considering that the parameter of the number of faecal coliforms is equivalent to the parameter of the number of Escherichia coli referred to in Annex 5 to this Regulation. 35. The set of bathing water quality data carry out bathing water quality assessments over the last four years or for a shorter period of time in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 34 of this Regulation shall comprise at least 16 water samples. 36. Taking into account a bathing water quality assessment, bathing waters of one water body may by divided or grouped together only if: 36.1. the bathing waters are adjacent; 36.2. the quality of bathing water has received similar assessments for the preceding four years in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation; 36.3. the bathing water profiles identify common risk factors or show the absence of risk factors. 37. 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 8 to this Regulation. VI. Requirements for Bathing Water Profiles38. The Health Inspectorate shall, in cooperation with the State limited liability company Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs [Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre] and other competent organisations, develop water profiles for the bathing water sites included in Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation. 39. 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. 40. 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. 41. The following information shall be included in a water profile: 41.1. 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; 41.2. regarding causes of pollution that might affect the quality of bathing waters and the health of bathers and assessment thereof; 41.3. regarding locations of the bathing water quality monitoring points; 41.4. regarding the potential for proliferation of cyanobacteria, including the assessment of chemical and other factors, which may cause mass spread of cyanobacteria; 41.5. regarding the potential for proliferation of macro-algae and phytoplankton. 42. The information referred to in Sub-paragraphs 41.1 and 41.2 of this Regulation shall be provided on a detailed map whenever practicable. 43. The public administration and local government authorities, as well as public persons and capital 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 this information and data by using resources from the State budget. 44. If the assessment referred to in Sub-paragraphs 41.4 and 41.5 of this Regulation has not been carried out by using resources from the State budget, the manager or possessor of the bathing water site shall provide the relevant information and data to the Health Inspectorate. 45. Other information characterising the water quality and the factors affecting it may be added to or included in the water profile. 46. If the carried out assessment referred to in Sub-paragraph 41.2 of this Regulation indicates a risk of short-term pollution, the following additional information shall be included in the water profile: 46.1. the anticipated nature, frequency and duration of expected short-term pollution; 46.2. identification of pollution sources and assessment of the impact caused thereby; 46.3. management measures to be taken and the time schedule for the elimination of the causes of pollution. 47. If short-term pollution has been observed in a bathing water site, the water profile shall include the description of the management measures taken during the short-term pollution, as well as the names and contact information of the institutions which are responsible for such measures. 48. A draft water profile shall be published on the website of the Health Inspectorate by providing an opportunity for all stakeholders and the public to express their opinion on the aforementioned draft for one month. 49. The water profile shall be reviewed in accordance with Paragraph 33 of this Regulation: 49.1. at least once every four years if bathing water has been classified as good quality water; 49.2. at least once every three years if bathing water has been classified as sufficient quality water; 49.3. at least once every two years if bathing water has been classified as poor quality water. 50. The water profile shall be reviewed, assessing whether any of the aspects referred to in Paragraphs 41., 45., 46. and 47. 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. 51. 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. 52. If significant construction works or significant changes in the infrastructure are planned or carried out in or in the vicinity of the bathing water which, according to the environmental impact assessment, affect or may affect the bathing water quality, the local government in the administrative territory of which the relevant bathing site is located shall inform the Health Inspectorate thereof. The Health Inspectorate shall update the water profile before the beginning of the next bathing season. VII. Measures for Ensuring the Quality of Bathing Water and the Protection of Human Health53. The State limited liability company Latvijas Vides, ģeoloģijas un meteoroloģijas centrs [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: 53.1. increase the number of such bathing water sites where water conforms to excellent or good quality; 53.2. prevent causes of excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria, macro-algae and marine phytoplankton, if they may cause harm to human health by taking into account the conditions referred to in Paragraphs 58 and 59 of this Regulation. 54. 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: 54.1. the Health Inspectorate shall, by taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a bathing prohibition or advice against bathing at the relevant bathing site in order to prevent damage to health, as well as take other appropriate management measures; 54.2. the Health Inspectorate shall, within the scope of its competence, indicate the causes of and reasons for insufficient water quality; 54.3. the manager of the bathing water site shall take measures in order to prevent, reduce or eliminate pollution; 54.4. the Health Inspectorate and the manager of the bathing water site shall provide information to the public in accordance with requirements of this Regulation. 55. If the bathing water has been classified as poor quality water for five consecutive years, the Health Inspectorate shall, by taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a permanent bathing prohibition or advice against bathing until sufficient bathing water quality is achieved. 56. If a bathing water profile indicates that it will not be classified as sufficient quality water or disproportionate costs are required to reach this aim, the Ministry of Health shall prepare appropriate amendments to laws and regulations in order to delete the bathing water site from the list of bathing water sites. 57. In situations which adversely impact the bathing water quality and pose a threat to the health of bathers, or there are reasonable suspicions that an adverse impact (unexpected situation) is possible, the Health Inspectorate shall, by taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a temporary bathing prohibition or temporarily advise against bathing by informing the public immediately, as well as take other appropriate and timely management measures. 58. If the Health Inspectorate establishes cyanobacterial proliferation (for example, accumulation of cyanobacteria, algal bloom in a form of foam or mat) and there are grounds to believe that it may cause harm to human health, the Health Inspectorate shall immediately establish a bathing prohibition at the relevant bathing water site and inform the public thereof, as well as take other appropriate management measures. 59. If the bathing water profile indicates a possibility of excessive proliferation of macro-algae or marine phytoplankton, the Health Inspectorate shall evaluate how it would affect the health of bathers and, if necessary, by taking into account the results of the bathing water quality assessment, establish a bathing prohibition or advise against bathing at the relevant bathing water site by immediately informing the public thereof, as well as take other appropriate management measures. 60. If bathing water is polluted with floating and other waste (for example, oil products, glass, plastic or surfactants), the following measures shall be taken: 60.1. 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; 60.2. the State Environmental Service shall identify the causes of pollution; 60.3. after elimination of the causes of pollution the manager of the bathing water site shall take the necessary measures for purification of the bathing water from pollution; 60.4. the Health Inspectorate shall carry out extraordinary visual observations of the bathing water, as well as take other appropriate management measures. 61. After the bathing water quality inspection referred to in Paragraph 37 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. 62. 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 Protocol on Water and Health Adopted under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes of 1992, cooperate with the competent authorities of the involved neighbouring country and coordinate measures in order to prevent an adverse impact on the bathing water, as well as ensure appropriate information exchange. VIII. Information To Be Provided to the European Commission63. Each year prior to the beginning of the bathing season the Health Inspectorate shall submit the list of bathing sites referred to in Annexes 1 and 2 to this Regulation to the European Commission by substantiating any changes in comparison with the previous year. 64. The Health Inspectorate shall, each year by 31 December, submit the following information to the European Commission: 64.1. the results of the bathing water monitoring and assessment of the previous bathing season; 64.2. the methods used for the analysis of monitoring parameters which differ from the methods referred to in Annex 5 to this Regulation, and a relevant justification; 64.3. the derogations from the requirements referred to in Annex 7 to this Regulation regarding taking of samples of bathing water, and a relevant justification; 64.4. the cases when implementation of the plan for monitoring calendar has been discontinued in the previous bathing season; 64.5. the important management measures taken and description thereof. IX. Closing Provisions65. The following is repealed: 65.1. Cabinet Regulation No. 38 of 10 January 2012, Procedures for Establishing and Maintaining Bathing Water Sites (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2012, No. 7; 2013, No. 98; 2014, No. 87; 2015, No. 172; 2016, No. 159); 65.2. Cabinet Regulation No. 608 of 6 July 2010, Regulations Regarding Monitoring of Bathing Water, Quality Assurance and Requirements for Informing the Public (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2010, Nos. 111, 185; 2011, No. 91; 2012, No. 51). 66. This Regulation shall come into force on 1 December 2017. Informative Reference to the European Union DirectivesThis 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. Acting for the Prime Minister, Deputy
Prime Minister, Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 1 Bathing Water Sites of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga[19 October 2021] 1. Dienvidkurzeme municipality (Grobiņa): 1.1. Town of Pāvilosta, Pāvilosta; 1.2. Rucava rural territory, bathing water site Pie Papes bākas. 2. State city of Jūrmala: 2.1. Asari; 2.2. Bulduri; 2.3. Dubulti; 2.4. Dzintari; 2.5. Jaunķemeri; 2.6. Kauguri; 2.7. Lielupe; 2.8. Majori; 2.9. Melluži; 2.10. Pumpuri; 2.11. Vaivari. 3. State city of Liepāja: 3.1. southwestern bathing water site; 3.2. bathing water site at the stadium. 4. Limbaži municipality: 4.1. Ainaži rural territory, Ainaži; 4.2. Liepupe rural territory, Tūja (recreational site); 4.3. Salacgrīva town, Salacgrīva; 4.4. Skulte rural territory, Skulte (Vārzas). 5. State city of Rīga: 5.1. Daugavgrīva; 5.2. Vakarbuļļi; 5.3. Vecāķi. 6. Saulkrasti municipality, town of Saulkrasti, Saulkrasti (centre). 7. Talsi municipality: 7.1. Kolka rural territory, Kolka; 7.2. Mērsrags rural territory, Mērsrags; 7.3. Roja rural territory, Roja. 8. Tukums municipality: 8.1. Engure rural territory: 8.1.1. Abragciems; 8.1.2. Klapkalnciems; 8.1.3. Ķesterciems; 8.2. Lapmežciems rural territory, Ragaciems. 9. State city of Ventspils: 9.1. city beach; 9.2. Staldzene beach.
Annex 2 [16 May 2023] Inland Bathing Water Sites1. Augšdaugava municipality (Daugavpils), Višķi rural territory, (Lake) Luknas ezers, village bathing water site at Višķi Technical School. 2. State city of Daugavpils: 2.1. bathing site at (Lake) Lielais Stropu ezers; 2.2. bathing water site Stropu vilnis at Lielais Stropu ezers; 2.3. bathing site at (Lake) Šūņu ezers. 3. Dobele municipality, Dobele rural territory, bathing water site at (Lake) Gaurata ezers. 4. State city of Jēkabpils, bathing water site Radžu ūdenskrātuve. 5. State city of Jelgava: 5.1. bathing water site Pasta salas peldvieta at the left coast of the (River) Lielupe; 5.2. bathing water site at the right coast of the Lielupe. 6. State city of Jūrmala: 6.1. bathing water site Ezeru ielas peldvieta at the Lielupe; 6.2. bathing water site Priedaine at the Lielupe. 7. Krāslava municipality, Krāslava rural territory, bathing water site at (Lake) Zirga ezers. 8. Kuldīga municipality, Kuldīga town, bathing water site Mārtiņsala at the (River) Venta. 9. State city of Liepāja, bathing water site at the quarry Beberliņi. 10. Limbaži municipality, town of Limbaži, bathing water site at (Lake) Limbažu Lielezers. 11. Rēzekne municipality: 11.1. Gaigalava rural territory, bathing water site at (Lake) Lubāns; 11.2. Mākoņkalns rural territory, bathing water site of (Lake) Rāznas at Lipuški. 12. State city of Rēzekne, bathing water site at (Lake) Kovšu ezers. 13. State city of Rīga: 13.1. bathing water site at (Lake) Bābelītes ezers; 13.2. bathing water site Lucavsala at the Daugava; 13.3. bathing water site Rumbula at the Daugava; 13.4. bathing water site Lucavsalas līcis at the Daugava; 13.5. bathing water site Ķīpsala at the Daugava. 14. Salaspils municipality, town of Salaspils, Daugava, bathing water site of the town of Salaspils. 15. Saldus municipality: 15.1. Town of Brocēni, bathing water site at (Lake) Cieceres ezers; 15.2. Town of Saldus, bathing water site at (Lake) Saldus ezers. 16. Sigulda municipality, Sigulda town, Gauja, Sigulda bathing water site. 17. State city of Ventspils, bathing water site at (Lake) Būšinieku ezers.
Annex 3 Informative SignsI. Informative signs with an indication of the bathing prohibition or advice against bathing 1. The informative sign with an indication of the bathing prohibition or advice against bathing shall be rectangular, with a height to width ratio of 1:2. 2. The informative sign shall consist of a symbol on the left side of the sign, and an inscription "Ieteikums nepeldēties" [Advice against bathing] (image 1) or "Peldēties aizliegts" [Bathing is prohibited] (image 2) on the right side of the sign. 3. The symbol shall be circular. Sides and diagonal line of the symbol shall be red. A pictogram in the middle of the symbol shall be black on a white background. 4. The inscription shall be black, the height of letters shall be at least 15 mm. 5. The size of the informative sign shall be at least 200 x400 mm. 6. The informative sign shall be perceived as an image in whole. The informative sign may not be changed, and it shall be rendered without changing proportions and colours. Image 1
Image 2
II. Informative signs with an indication of the bathing water classification 1. The informative sign with an indication of bathing water classification shall be rectangular, with a height to width ratio of 1:2. 2. The informative sign shall consist of a symbol with a designation (appropriate number of stars or a dash) on the left side of the sign and an inscription with an explanation of the designation on the right side of the sign: 2.1. "Izcila peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" [Excellent bathing water quality] (image 3); 2.2. "Laba peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" [Good bathing water quality] (image 4); 2.3. "Pietiekama peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" [Sufficient bathing water quality] (image 5); 2.4. "Zema peldvietas ūdens kvalitāte" [Poor bathing water quality] (image 6). 3. The symbol shall be of square shape. Sides of the symbol shall be dark blue. A pictogram in the middle of the symbol shall be dark blue on a white background. 4. The inscription shall be black, the height of letters shall be at least 10 mm. Designations (stars and dash) shall be dark blue. 5. The size of the informative sign shall be at least 200 x400 mm. 6. The informative sign shall be perceived as an image in whole. The informative sign may not be changed, and it shall be rendered without changing proportions and colours. Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 4 Information Regarding Safe Behaviour at a Bathing Site1. Swimming allowed only in the territory of the bathing water site. Do not swim beyond buoys that restrict the bathing water site. 2. Follow instructions or changes in the information stand of the bathing water site. 3. Do not swim at night or during strong wind or thunderstorm. 4. It is prohibited to swim under the influence of alcohol or narcotic substances! 5. Do not swim alone. Before swimming warn the persons remaining on the shore on how long and how far you are intending to swim or that you will dive under water. 6. Before swimming warn other persons if you are not a good swimmer. Use special ancillary means, for example, a swim vest. 7. After becoming hot in the sun enter the water slowly in order to avoid muscle cramps due to rapid change in body temperature. 8. Do not overestimate your strength, do not swim too far away from the shore. 9. Stop swimming as soon as the first signs of being cold appear. 10. Allow the children to swim at bathing sites appropriately arranged for them, within the limits of good visibility where help may be provided without delay. 11. Ensure supervision by an adult when a child is in the water or is playing near the water. 12. Protect children from waves in order to avoid being carried into depth. 13. Upon identifying an accident: 13.1. assess the situation and evaluate your abilities to save the drowning person. The drowning person may be saved only by the person who is proficient in swimming and knows rescue techniques; 13.2. call rescuers without delay, calling 112 and indicating as accurately as possible the coordinates and access possibilities of the location of the accident. Rescuers must be awaited and the location of the victim must be shown. Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 5 Bathing Water Monitoring Parameters and Quality CriteriaI. Inland waters
Notes. 1 In accordance with the procedures for calculating 95-percentile value specified in Annex 6 to this Regulation. 2 In accordance with the procedures for calculating 90-percentile value specified in Annex 6 to this Regulation. 3 CFU - colony-forming units. II. Coastal and transitional waters
Notes. 1 In accordance with the procedures for calculating 95-percentile value specified in Annex 6 to this Regulation. 2 In accordance with the procedures for calculating 90-percentile value specified in Annex 6 to this Regulation. 3 CFU - colony-forming units. Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 6 Requirements for Bathing Water Quality Assessment and Classification1. The bathing water shall be classified as poor quality water, if the percentile valueb of the microbiological enumerations in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment perioda is lowerc than the value of sufficient quality specified in accordance with Annex 5 to this Regulation. 2. The bathing water shall be classified as sufficient quality water: 2.1. if the percentile value for microbiological enumerations in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period is equal to or betterd than the value of sufficient quality specified in Annex 5 to this Regulation; 2.2. if short-term pollution has been found 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 23.3 of this Regulation due to short-term pollution during the last assessment period represented no more than 15 % of the total number of samples provided for in the monitoring calendar established for that period, or no more than one sample per bathing season. 3. The bathing water shall be classified as good quality water: 3.1. if the percentile value for microbiological enumerations in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period is equal to or better than the value of good quality specified in Annex 5 to this Regulation; 3.2. if short-term pollution has been found 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 23.3 of this Regulation due to short-term pollution during the last assessment period represented no more than 15 % of the total number of samples provided for in the monitoring calendar established for that period, or no more than one sample per bathing season. 4. The bathing water shall be classified as excellent quality water: 4.1. if the percentile value for microbiological enumerations in the set of bathing water quality data for the last assessment period is equal to or better than the value of excellent quality specified in Annex 5 to this Regulation; 4.2. if short-term pollution has been found 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 23.3 of this Regulation due to short-term pollution during the last assessment period represented no more than 15 % of the total number of samples provided for in the monitoring calendar established for that period, or no more than one sample per bathing season. Notes. 1.a The last assessment period shall be the specific bathing season, the last four bathing seasons or the period which is less than the last four bathing seasons, provided that the requirements referred to in Paragraph 33 of this Regulation are complied with. 2.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 sequence (if any of the values equals zero, log10 value from the smallest detection limit of the used analytical method shall be taken); 2) calculate the arithmetic mean (µ) of all log10 values obtained; 3) calculate the standard deviation (σ) of all log10 values obtained; 4) the upper 90-percentile point shall be calculated, using the following equation: upper 90-ercentile = antilog (µ 1.282 σ); 5) the upper 95-percentile point shall be calculated, using the following equation: upper 95-ercentile = antilog (µ +1.65 σ). 3.c Higher concentration value expressed as CFU/100 ml. 4.d Lower concentration value expressed as CFU/100 ml. Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 7 Requirements for Taking of Water Samples at Bathing Water Sites for the Microbiological Analysis1. Where possible, samples are to be taken 30 centimetres below the waters surface. Water is at least one metre deep. If necessary, water sample is taken from a boat. 2. Water sample bottles conform to one of the following requirements: 2.1. they have undergone sterilisation in an autoclave for at least 15 minutes at 121 °C temperature; 2.2. they have undergone dry sterilisation at between 160 °C and 170 °C temperature for at least one hour; 2.3. irradiated sample containers have been obtained in a sterile packaging directly from the manufacturer. 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 to be of transparent and non-coloured material (glass or plastic - polyethylene or polypropylene); 3.3. to prevent accidental contamination of a water sample, the sampler is to employ an aseptic technique for sampling which allows to maintain the sterility of the sample container and does not contaminate the sample. If the sampling is done in accordance with this technique, there is no further need for sterile equipment (for example, sterile surgical gloves, tongs, or sample pole); 3.4. the water sample is the be clearly marked with an indelible ink on a bottle (container), and a note is made in the water sampling form. 4. Storage and transport of water samples before the analysis: 4.1. a water sample is to be protected from exposure to light at all stages of transport (in particular direct sunlight); 4.2. until delivery to the laboratory, a water sample is to be conserved at a temperature of around 4°C, in a cool box or refrigerator (depending on climate). If the transport to the laboratory takes more than four hours, then the water sample shall be transported in a refrigerator; 4.3. the time between water sampling and analysis must 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. Until then the water samples shall be stored in the dark at a temperature of 4 ºC ± 3 ºC. Minister for Health Anda Čakša
Annex 8 Parameters, Limit Values of Immediate Assessment of the Bathing Water Quality, and Methods for its Analysis
Note. CFU - colony-forming units. Minister for Health Anda Čakša Translation © 2023 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) |
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Title: Peldvietas izveidošanas, uzturēšanas un ūdens kvalitātes pārvaldības kārtība
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