Start of Bathing Season in Prague: First Water Analyses at Natural Swimming Areas Show Positive Results

With temperatures continuing to rise, the season of regular bathing water inspections has officially begun in Prague. For the first time this year, two new locations are also being monitored.

The first warm spring days have already drawn many people in Prague to lakes and natural swimming areas. To ensure that swimming in natural waters remains safe from a health perspective, the Prague Public Health Authority officially launched this year’s water quality inspections last week. Samples will be taken and evaluated every two weeks throughout the season.

Water quality is traditionally assessed on a five-level scale, ranging from “suitable for swimming” to a complete bathing ban. The aim of the regular inspections is to identify and prevent potential health risks such as skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems at an early stage.

“The warm spring weather heats up natural waters more quickly and already encourages many people to go swimming. Our task is to ensure that this can be done safely,” explained hygienist Helena Mikulášová in a ppress release. At the same time, she announced that the monitoring programme is being expanded this year to include two new locations.

Foto: Jezero Lipence | Hygienická stanice hlavního města Prahy

Newly added to the list of monitored bathing waters are Jezero Lipence and Branická pláž in Prague-Braník. Both locations now have an officially prepared water profile in accordance with European and Czech regulations. However, a long-term classification of water quality is not yet possible there, as this requires data collected over several years.

Jezero Lipence was created following sand extraction near the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers and is now operated as a fenced recreational area with full infrastructure. Branická pláž, on the other hand, offers free access to the Vltava with steps providing safe entry into the water.

The first water analyses of the season show overall positive results. Very good water quality was recorded at the Šeberák natural swimming area and at the Radotín natural swimming area. Swimming also remains possible without restrictions at the Džbán and Hostivař bathing areas, although slightly reduced water clarity caused by algae has already been observed there.

For several other locations, including Motol, Lhotka, Divoká Šárka and the two new bathing areas, the first current measurement results are expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The Public Health Authority recommends that visitors regularly check the current water quality before swimming. Updated results as well as the full inspection schedule are published on the authority’s website and on the koupacivody.cz portal.