Warning in Cottbus: Blue-green algae spoil swimming fun in popular lakes!

Warning in Cottbus: Blue-green algae spoil swimming fun in popular lakes!

A summer stay by the water can quickly turn into fun, but caution is advised in Cottbus at the moment. The city has warned about blue-green algae in the popular bathing lakes Madlower and Branitzer See. Swimming in these waters is currently strongly discouraged as current monthly samples show evidence of a blue-green algae bloom and limited visibility. The final laboratory results are expected this week, which could possibly lead to the installation of information signs on the lakes lr-online.de reported.

The situation is getting worse: blue-green algae have already been found in unprecedented concentrations in Lake Madlower, and these harmful bacteria are also present in Lake Branitz. The current warning notices have already been placed in Madlower See, while a similar measure is to follow next Monday for Branitzer See. The closure of both lakes is expected to last until at least early September Niederlausitz-aktuell.de reported.

Health risks from blue-green algae

Blue-green algae is not only unsightly to look at, it can also pose serious health risks. These cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea and diarrhea. This endangers both people and animals, which is why swimming and playing on the bank is strongly discouraged by the city administration. Bathing water monitoring in Germany has shown in recent years that the mass occurrence of blue-green algae is at the top of the list of reasons for bathing bans Umweltbundesamt.de reported.

In total, only nine of 2,291 German bathing waters were rated as “poor” in the 2024 bathing season. Nevertheless, bathing bans and recommendations to avoid swimming are issued nationwide, especially in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or floods. These circumstances can significantly affect the hygienic water quality.

Regular checks and measures

The city of Cottbus carries out regular inspections of the bathing lakes to ensure the safety of bathers and to react early to possible dangers. In addition to the Madlower and Branitzer See, the other bathing lakes in Cottbus, such as Ströbitz and Sachsendorf, are also continuously monitored. Swimming in Cottbus waters is generally at your own risk, and that is a reminder that many swimmers should keep in mind.

Environmental authorities have also taken measures to improve water quality. After the 2025 bathing season, extensive work is to be carried out on the Branitz bathing lake in order to reduce water pollution. Regular cleaning of the beach areas takes place almost daily during the summer months to provide guests with a clean environment.

The continued warnings and posting of notices are a clear sign that natural resources should be treated with care. Swimming is fun, but health comes first - this is impressively demonstrated by the current developments in Cottbus.