Authorities in Balti have banned swimming in the City Lake, Komsomolist Lake, and the Rowing Canal after laboratory tests revealed severe water contamination.
According to the Balti Public Health Center, water samples collected on 26 May showed excessive concentrations of sulfates and high levels of microbiological contaminants, including coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and intestinal enterococci.
Based on these findings, specialists classified the water in all three locations as Quality Class V — very heavily polluted — indicating a serious risk to public health. As a result, authorities have prohibited swimming and other recreational activities in these water bodies.
Health officials stressed that none of the three sites are officially authorized for recreational use and that they fail to meet sanitary safety standards. They also warned that the absence of adequate maintenance and monitoring infrastructure further increases health risks for visitors.
Authorities have urged local officials to install warning signs, inform residents about the dangers, prevent unauthorized recreational activities, and strengthen monitoring of the affected areas.