Blue algae alarm in Marienheide: Caution on the bathing lake!

Blue algae alarm in Marienheide: Caution on the bathing lake!

In the Lingesetalsperre in Marienheide, blue algae have been found again. This became known by regular visual exams of the Wupperverband and the Health Department of the Oberberg district, which observe the situation carefully. Due to the blue algae discovered, the bathing area on the DLRG house has given a bathing ban. Baden is still allowed in the places Linge and campsite, but it is also advised to visit the campsite, since the water quality is currently not optimal.

Visitors to the Lingesetalsperre are called to be particularly vigilant. Blue algae can be slightly due to wind and wave movements, which can change the concentration quickly. The persistent high temperatures and the sunny weather in the coming days could lead to the blue algae further multiplying, which is a health risk, especially for small children and sensitive people.

health risks through blue algae

Blue algae, also known as cyanobacteria, naturally appear in water, but can cause health problems in larger quantities. The possible effects include skin irritation, earache, nausea and vomiting. Small children are particularly at risk, which is why contact with suspicious looking water should be avoided. The first recognizable signs of the presence of blue algae are a strong cloudiness of the water and green to blue -green streaks on the surface.

The district health office and the Wupperverband will continue to observe the development of the blue algae closely and inform visitors using notices at the bathing areas. It is recommended to find out more about the current bathing water quality that is provided on the website of the Oberberg district.

a recurring problem

In the past few years there have been repeated problems with blue -green algae in the Lingesetalsperre. According to the Environmental Federal Agency , mass developments of cyanobacteria can be favored by high temperatures and stable weather conditions that cause a thermal layer of the water. This leads to the cyanobacteria concentrating on the water surface.

The main cause of the increase in blue -green algae is high concentrations of total phosphorus in standing waters. As long as the nutrient concentration remains below 30 µg total phosphate per liter, the growth of the cyanobacteria is limited. In the meantime, it is regularly checked how the conditions in the waters develop in order to recognize potential dangers at an early stage.