Biuletyn Informacji Publicznej
Transnational Bathing Water Platform
About the project
When it is hot in summer, there is nothing better than taking a swim. However, in Central European cities, this may not always be safe: around 65% of urban surface waters meet only minimum quality standards. Poor water quality is a major environmental health concern, as exposure to chemical, microbiological and pathogenic pollutants may lead to serious health effects. Climate change further increases these risks by worsening water quality through higher temperatures, droughts, heavy rainfall, algal blooms and increased contamination.
In this context, the UrbanBlueHealth project aims to assess the health impacts of bathing water on urban populations and support improvements in the urban environment in Central Europe. Its main objective is to encourage relevant authorities to change policies and management practices for natural urban bathing sites, focusing on water quality and the health and safety of bathers.
The project assessed the situation in partner countries, identified key factors reducing water quality and developed a joint transnational Strategy for Natural Urban Bathing Sites in Central Europe to support water-quality monitoring and rapid response.
It also established National Bathing Water Groups involving bathing-site managers, sanitary inspectors, policymakers, decision-makers and researchers. Pilot Actions were implemented at bathing sites in Budapest, Prague and Łódź to test solutions for improving water quality. Their results informed national Action Plans and practical Solutions for natural urban bathing sites in Central Europe.
Finally, capacity-building courses for local and regional authorities and other operators will strengthen institutional capacity to manage bathing sites safely, maintain good water quality and better protect urban residents in Central European countries.
About the platform
The Transnational Bathing Water Platform is an online knowledge-sharing tool developed within the project.
