Backlopes and outdoor pools: Water quality ensures safety in the Jerichower Land!

Backlopes and outdoor pools: Water quality ensures safety in the Jerichower Land!

Gommern, Deutschland - The coming hot days attract many water rats to the bathing lakes and into the region's outdoor pools. As Meetingpoint-jl are available, including Zabakuck, Dannigkow, Niegripp and Parchau. Free baths in Möckern, Lübars and Ziepel also invite you to cool down. However, the latter remains closed due to construction work.

The water quality of these leisure opportunities is carefully monitored by the district's health department. Between four and five water samples are taken weekly to ensure the safety of the bathers. The daily visual inspections in outdoor pools and decrease in water samples are particularly important in order to identify any problems early.

Current water quality situation

Currently there are no significant abnormalities in the region in terms of water quality, which ensures the citizens' bathing pleasures. However, a slight development of cyanobacteria was found in the Kulk in Gommern that did not lead to a bathing ban, but swimmers are advised to be careful in this body of water. On other bathing lakes and in the outdoor pools, lifeguards are on hand during opening hours to ensure the safety of the bathers.

cyanobacteria, colloquially also referred to as blue-green algae, are gram-negative bacteria that can occur in many waters and come from very old living beings. They are usually harmless, but they can be health risks if they are spreading. In the bathing season, the concentrations can increase, especially in warm summers, they favor the growth of these microbes. According to the Environmental Federal Agency , climate change can also have a negative impact on water quality.

risks from cyanobacteria

The risks from cyanobacteria are especially in small children who can absorb large quantities when playing in the water. Symptoms such as skin irritation or gastrointestinal diseases could occur in the event of contaminated water, although unspecific symptoms can also be triggered by other bacteria. In greenish or red cloudy water, it is advisable to pay attention to warnings and to avoid contact with the water, so that potential dangers for humans and animals, especially dogs, loads.

particularly worrying is the fact that many waters in the region are susceptible to cyanobacteria flowers due to increased nutrient concentration. The nutrient balance, in particular the overall phosphorus, plays a crucial role in the growth of these bacteria. As long as the concentration of the overall phosphate is less than 30 µg per liter, the growth of cyanobacteria remains limited. Another example of this development was 2018, which was characterized by continuing warm temperatures and resulted in increased cyanobacteria loads.

For all of Cologne's people looking for nature, it is noted: summer is here and the bathing lakes and outdoor pools are waiting to offer refreshing experiences. Always note the water quality information and enjoy a carefree day on the water!