Mērsrags

12.8°C Water temp · Jun 8

Latvia Coastal 2 - Good 12.8°C

Satellite image of MĒRSRAGS — Satellite image © Esri

This bathing water profile describes two coastal bathing sites in Mērsrags municipality along the Gulf of Riga: Mērsrags and Upesgrīva. The document provides a comprehensive assessment of water quality based on microbiological criteria, physical and hydrological characteristics, ecological conditions, and identified pollution sources. Water quality is classified into four categories: excellent, good, sufficient, and poor. The profile was developed by the Health Inspectorate in cooperation with the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre to support management measures for maintaining safe bathing conditions.

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Water

Coastal waters of the Gulf of Riga (Rīgas jūras līcis). The gulf is characterized by its hydrological properties, coastal zones with varying land use types, and specific depth and current patterns influenced by freshwater influx from rivers.

Location

Mērsrags municipality, Gulf of Riga coast (two sites: Mērsrags and Upesgrīva). Mērsrags includes a port facility.

Water Quality

Water quality is assessed based on microbiological indicators: Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. Excellent quality: enterococci ≤100 CFU/100ml (95th percentile), E. coli ≤250 CFU/100ml (95th percentile). Good quality: enterococci ≤200 CFU/100ml (95th percentile), E. coli ≤500 CFU/100ml (95th percentile). Sufficient quality: enterococci ≤185 CFU/100ml (90th percentile), E. coli ≤500 CFU/100ml (90th percentile). Assessment based on four years of monitoring data. Blue algae blooms are also monitored.

Risks

Identified pollution sources include point source pollution loads, Mērsrags port, and bird colonies. Risk of excessive blue algae blooms. Fecal pollution from inadequate wastewater treatment and non-connected populations poses health risk. Diffuse pollution from urbanized areas, traffic, and atmospheric deposition.