On Thursday 3.8.2023, the South Satakunta Environmental Health Authority has decided to ban swimming at Lillonkari beach. The reason for the ban is the high concentration of enterococcus bacteria found in samples of bathing water taken from the beach.
In a sample of bathing water taken from Lillonkari beach on 25 July 2023, the colony count of enterococci exceeded the action threshold. In a repeat sample taken on 27 July 2023, the colony count of enterococci had decreased to 230 pmy/100 ml. To assess the situation, a further repeat sample was taken on 1 August 2023 with a colony count of enterococci of 2400 pmy/100 ml. The applicable action thresholds are given in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on bathing water quality standards and monitoring in small public bathing areas. For bathing water which is seawater, the action threshold for enterococci is 200 pmy/100 ml.
The bathing ban is in force until further notice. Monitoring of water quality will continue. The bathing prohibition may be lifted when the levels of both enterococci and Escherichia coli in two consecutive samples fall below the action thresholds laid down in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree.
Swimming water quality is monitored by regular tests for enterococci and Escherichia coli. The purpose of these tests is to detect possible faecal contamination of bathing water. Bathing in faecally contaminated bathing water carries a risk of illness. Various disease-causing bacteria, viruses and protozoa may be present. Swimming in contaminated water can cause stomach upsets, skin infections or eye infections.