Many Latvians like to collect water from springs for their daily use rather than relying on store-bought bottles. As well as economic savings, a belief in health-giving properties of water straight from the source is common.
However, this spring has become an issue because it is located in the middle of a populated area without suitable parking available.
“One accident happened right in front of my eyes. A car spun around and missed an oncoming car, smashing into the bushes. And then there was another accident,” said Jēkabpils local Pēteris Sprukts.
There is a parking place of sorts on the side of the road, but it can be dangerous.
The territory of the water intake site belongs to private owners who allow access but do not want to get involved in any infrastructure issues. “I allow free access, but I don’t intend to do anything more in this matter,” said the owner of the territory, Kārlis Pusbarnieks.
“Latvijas Valsts ceļi” (Latvian state roads) said the possibility of installing a road sign saying “Stopping prohibited” will be evaluated. Since emergency situations often arise in this area, the municipal police have also been involved and this section of the road is included in the daily patrol route. Two individuals have already been fined for road traffic offenses, police said.