Latvia alerts public to unsafe source water and high E. coli at Saldus Lake

Health Inspection director Normunds Kadiķis told TV24 that the safety of drinking water from public sources varies by location and depends on regular testing. He warned that visible clarity does not guarantee microbiological safety and that many sources are not continuously monitored by the state. Consumers are urged to check local analysis results or municipal information before using source water, and to treat it when possible.

In a separate health‑inspection update, water samples taken on 27‑28 July 2026 at the official swimming area of Saldus Lake showed elevated Escherichia coli levels. The agency advised against swimming, especially for children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, and announced a follow‑up sampling on 30 July with results due next week. Other official swimming sites in Latvia met quality standards.

Both messages highlight ongoing monitoring of recreational waters and the need for public awareness of potential microbial contamination in natural water sources.