Blue-green algae observations have been made on the beaches of the environmental action area of ​​the Imatra region

In Parikkala, there has been plenty of blue-green algae at Rantapuisto's swimming beach. In addition, blue-green algae has also been observed a little at all Imatra beaches and Ruokolahti at Pappilanlahti and Vaittila beaches.

Swimming should be avoided during periods of abundant blue-green algae deposits. Even a small amount can cause symptoms in sensitive people. If you swim in blue-green water, take a shower after swimming. Children should be kept out of the water during heavy occurrences, as getting water containing blue-green algae into the mouth can be dangerous.

Blue-green algae can produce toxic or irritating substances in water, and more than half of blue-green algae are toxic. People's sensitivity to getting symptoms from blue-green algae varies a lot. Water containing blue-green algae can cause allergic skin symptoms, stomach problems, runny nose or general symptoms such as fever and headache.

The blue-green algae situation can change very quickly

The amount of blue-green algae varies very quickly due to, for example, wind direction or rain. Since there is no constant supervision on the beaches, every swimmer should always check the quality of the swimming water before going for a swim. Adults should monitor where children swim and prevent children from swimming in water containing blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae identification instructions can be seen at every public beach in the Imatra region.

Signs of a blue-green algae bloom

• a greenish deposit on the surface of the water or on the shore that resembles latex paint or thick pea soup
• a smaller amount can be seen as greenish particles in the water and greenish streaks on the beach
• older deposits turn greenish gray and sometimes bright turquoise blue
• earthy, moldy and/or musty smell

Reporting blue-green algae sightings

If you notice blue-green algae on a public beach, please report the sightings Ilppa notification service via, by email (health controlimatra.fi (health control[at]imatra[dot]fi)) or by phone (tel. 020 617 4323).

Administrators of public swimming beaches monitor the blue-green algae situation during maintenance visits. The Imatra regional environmental action monitors the situation based on information received from beach users and beach administrators.

If you notice blue-green algae elsewhere than on a public beach, you can report your sighting nationally detection transmitter through. The service also works on a smartphone.

You can monitor the blue-green algae situation in Finnish water bodies From the Järviwiki online service.

For more information:

public beaches:
health controlimatra.fi (health control[at]imatra[dot]fi)

water bodies in general:
environmental protectionimatra.fi (environmental protection[at]imatra[dot]fi)