Updated: Blue-green algae has been observed on Imatra's beaches this week

Blue-green algae was observed at Lempuka beach on Tuesday 23.6 June and Wednesday 24.6 June. Blue-green algae was also observed at Ukonlinna beach on Wednesday. 

Warm weather increases the likelihood of blue-green algae. The blue-green algae situation on beaches is monitored daily and the City of Imatra inspects the beaches in the mornings. 

The situation can change quickly 

The amount of blue-green algae varies very quickly, depending on factors such as wind direction or rainfall. Since there is no constant monitoring on the beaches, every swimmer should always check the quality of the swimming water before going swimming. Adults should monitor where children are swimming 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. 

Characteristics of blue-green algae 

• a greenish deposit on the surface of the water or on the shore, resembling 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 

Blue-green algae sightings at public beaches can be reported Ilppa notification service via, by email health controlimatra.fi (health control[at]imatra[dot]fi) or by phone tel. 020 617 4323 

Beach administrators monitor the blue-green algae situation during maintenance visits. The Imatra Region Environmental Service monitors the situation based on information received from beach users and beach administrators. 

If blue-green algae is observed somewhere other than on a public beach, it is possible to report the observation to the national 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: 

Environmental action of the Imatra region, health controlimatra.fi (health control[at]imatra[dot]fi) 
Environmental Engineer Sirpa Heinänen, tel. 020 617 4391, sirpa.heinanenimatra.fi (sirpa[dot]heinanen[at]imatra[dot]fi) 

Edited on 24 June at 14:08: added information that blue-green algae observations were made on the Lempuka and Ukonlinna beaches on Wednesday 24 June.