"Chaika" again unsafe for swimming: E. coli and enterococci found in the water

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci were detected in the water at the “Chayka” beach in the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv. Laboratory test results indicate microbiological contamination that may make swimming a health risk.

This was reported by the Mykolaiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, whose specialists continue to check water weekly at beaches and recreational areas in the region.

Water samples were taken on 31 August from the following bodies of water:

• Inhul River — “Strilka” beach in Mykolaiv;
• Pivdennyi Buh River — “Raiduga” beach in Pervomaisk, municipal beaches in Pivdennoukrainsk and Nova Odesa;
• Buzkyi Liman — “Chayka” beach and “Namyv” recreation area in Mykolaiv;
• Tiligulskyi Liman — recreation areas in Kobleve and the village of Ukrainka.

According to the results, the water at the “Raiduga” beach in Pervomaisk and the municipal beach in Nova Odesa met the established microbiological and sanitary-chemical standards.

At the same time, E. coli was detected in water from the Inhul River at the “Strilka” beach, and also in the Buzkyi Liman — at the “Chayka” beach and in the “Namyv” recreation area. Enterococci were additionally recorded in the water sample from the “Chayka” beach.

These results indicate microbiological contamination of the water. Specialists warn that swimming at “Strilka”, “Chayka” and “Namyv” may pose a health hazard. In the other tested samples, microbiological indicators met the established norms.

Laboratory monitoring also revealed some deviations in sanitary-chemical indicators. In particular, an exceedance of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicator was recorded in water from the municipal beach in Pivdennoukrainsk and the “Strilka” beach in Mykolaiv.

Deviations in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were found in samples from the Inhul River at the “Strilka” beach, from the Buzkyi Liman at the “Chayka” beach and in the “Namyv” area, as well as from the Tiligulskyi Liman.

The Center explained that these indicators characterize the condition of the aquatic environment and may depend, in particular, on the natural features of the water bodies. Laboratory monitoring of water quality will continue.

At the same time, Vibrio cholerae was not detected in any of the samples tested. Before visiting waterbodies, residents are urged to check current information about water conditions and follow recommendations for safe swimming.

Earlier we reported:

• E. coli found again on the Strilka and Chayka beaches in Mykolaiv
• E. coli and enterococci found at Strilka, Chayka and Namyv in Mykolaiv: swimming is dangerous
• Water at Mykolaiv region beaches meets standards, but swimming is officially prohibited
• Water at the “Chayka” beach passed microbial testing: but there are alarming indicators across the region
• Swimming in Mykolaiv region: is the water in rivers and limans safe — official results