KHILCHEVSKYI V.K. RECREATIONAL AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT QUALITY ASSESSMENT: GLOBAL TRENDS, WHO GUIDELINES, EU BATHING WATER DIRECTIVE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to introduce modern approaches to assessing the quality of water for recreational purposes in the world and highlight the main provisions of the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the quality of recreational water (2021) and the European Union directive on the management of bathing water (2006/7/EC). The world is actively studying the impact of water quality on recreational water use (visiting beaches, fishing, boating and other water sports, travel on inland waterways, etc.). Research shows that good water quality increases the attractiveness of all recreational water uses. Water pollution and eutrophication of water bodies can significantly reduce the need for recreation. In 2021, WHO developed guidelines for recreational water quality (coastal and freshwater) that highlight the main targets associated with adverse health effects – enterococci and E. coli. WHO guidance emphasizes the need to develop and implement recreational water safety plans (RWSPs) that provide a holistic and practical approach to assessing and managing the risks associated with recreational water use. The European Union has a 2006 Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) that sets out the requirements for monitoring, classifying and managing bathing water quality in water bodies, and providing the public with relevant information. Directive 2006/7/EC is a supplement to the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). According to Directive 2006/7/EC, water pollution is defined as the presence of microbiological contamination or other organisms or wastes that affect the quality of the bathing water and pose a threat to the health of bathers. Bathing water quality management starts with monitoring. In the EU Member States, bathing waters are monitored and monitored at the most stressed points (places of greatest influx of swimwear or danger of pollutants). The content of enterococci and Escherichia coli is monitored, the limit for which is given in Annex 1 of Directive 2006/7/EC. Bathing water quality is assessed by quality classes: excellent; good; satisfactory; nasty. Public participation should be encouraged in the formulation of proposals and comments for the creation, revision and updating of bathing water (beach) lists.