Bathing water

The quality of bathing water in Finland is primarily good, and bathing waters are also monitored well. Bathing waters are investigated for numbers of indicator bacteria for faecal contamination; the occurrence of blue-green algae; while the general condition of bathing water is also monitored.

Regular monitoring of bathing water quality

During the bathing season, the quality of bathing water is assessed on the basis of individual bathing water samples. The results and the related interpretations of organoleptic assessments conducted in connection with sampling are often on public display at the beach and the websites of municipalities and beach maintenance services. In addition, the water quality of large beaches, according to EU ranking, is annually classified as either excellent, good, sufficient or poor. The classification of bathing water quality is based on the Bathing Water Directive and determined on the basis of a four-year trend. Most of our large beaches have been classified as excellent, which is the highest quality category. The water quality category of the bathing water is publicly displayed at each beach.

Read more: European Commission - Bathing water quality