This paper presents the results of studies on the degree of pollution and the sanitary-bacteriological state of near-shore waters of Lake Wigry in three successive summer periods (1994-1996) in the region of bathing sites, sailing harbours and anchoring places for fishery and anglers' boats. TVC 20°C and TVC 37° were used as the indicators of pollution, while TC, FC and FS - as indicators of sanitary state. Near-shore waters of Lake Wigry showed a little higher degree of pollution than pelagic waters. The waters of Lake Wigry showed higher bacteriological pollution in the region of bathing sites, the sailing harbour and the camping-site in Stary Folwark and in the northern part of this reservoir, the lower one was observed in the middle part, while the lowest one was in the western part in the region of Uklei and Wigierki Bays. Higher bacteriological pollution was found in near-shore waters of Lake Wigry in the end of June, 1994 and 1996 and at the beginning of September, 1995. In 1994 and 1996 it was caused mainly by the activity of water fowl (high number of FS), in 1995 by human recreational activity (high number of TC and FC). The majority of the examinated water samples of near-shore waters of Lake Wigry fulfilled the water conditions for recreation, including bathing.