The so-called bathing water directive has been in existence since 2006. This is a European law that ensures that water boards must regularly check bathing water. Alberta Grooteboer is a water quality advisor at the Vechstromen Water Board. By measuring water quality, swimmers are informed about the risks they face, she explains.
In the bathing season – which runs from May to September – the water quality is checked nine times per swimming pool. “If the quality of the water is less, this sometimes happens twelve times,” says Grooteboer. “In the summer people make the most use of the water and the sun heats up the water. Bacteria and blue-green algae thrive better in warm water.”
According to the water quality advisor, people should realize that swimming in natural water entails risks. “You have to deal with cold currents, which can give you cramps. Also the water level of a puddle can change more easily, this can affect the buoyancy. Just watch carefully before swimming and read the blue signs at the designated swimming locations . That’s where all the information is.”
The managers play an important role in maintaining good water quality, says Albert Schimmel, board member at Zandpol, a well-known swimming lake in Drenthe. “There is a sandy beach around our natural pool. Once a week, on Wednesday, we do a round with all the volunteers. We empty the trash cans and make sure there is no rubbish on the beach.”
Clutter on the beach or trash cans that have been full for too long can attract pests. This increases the chance that the water will also be contaminated. “In times of corona we were sometimes not allowed to open the toilets. This meant that the needs around the pool were done. That had a bad effect on the water,” says Schimmel. Fortunately, the water quality is now completely in order. “Let’s take a dive first,” the board member concludes.