Valkealampi

Finland Lake 1 - Excellent

Valkealampi is a sandy bathing beach on a lake in Kontiolahti, Finland. The beach is approximately 50 metres long and located on the shore of Valkealampi lake. The water body is shallow with a sandy bottom, which may negatively affect water quality due to poor water exchange. The beach is estimated to have over 100 swimmers per day during the bathing season from June 15 to August 31.

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Water

Lake (Valkealampi). Shallow beach profile. Sandy bottom. Located in the Vuoksi water district (04.821) and Vuoksi water management area. Water quality monitored at observation point Valkealampi 10 by North Karelia ELY Centre (1969–2010).

Location

Valkealammentie, Paihola, Kontiolahti. Parking available in an unmarked area near the beach with signage directing to the beach. Signage also available from nearby Kuurna-Kulhontie road.

Facilities

Changing facilities, outdoor toilet (located at distance from beach), trash bins (6 small bins), rescue ring, throwing line, emergency instructions on notice board. No lifeguard supervision.

Season

June 15 to August 31. Water quality monitored starting two weeks before the season begins.

Water Quality

Water quality classification: Excellent. E. coli and enterococcal bacteria levels consistently below action thresholds (E. coli action level: 1000 pmy/mpn/100 ml; enterococci action level: 400 pmy/mpn/100 ml). Monitoring results 2018–2021 show levels ranging from <1 to 4 E. coli and <1 to 5 enterococci. No cyanobacterial blooms observed at Valkealampi. Water monitored 4 times per season (twice before and three times during bathing season at three-week intervals).

Risks

Shallow water profile may negatively affect water quality due to poor water exchange. Long heat waves combined with high beach usage can adversely affect water quality. In 2010, one water sample detected high levels of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria coinciding with a prolonged heat wave, high water temperatures, and heavy beach usage. Swimming was prohibited for two weeks; bacteria was not detected in subsequent samples.