Warning! Blue algae jeopardize swimming lakes in Thuringia - not swimming!

Warning! Blue algae jeopardize swimming lakes in Thuringia - not swimming!

In the summer heat, many Cologne residents are based: on the inside of cooling refreshments, and of course there is a desire to bathe in one of the domestic waters. But not all lakes are currently suitable for swimming, as the Thuringian long -distance water supply (TFW) warns. As mdr , bathers should do without cooling down in several small storage loads.

The TFW indicates that the 62 small storage tanks in their care are not considered designated. In visual checks, dangerous contaminants were found in some waters, including Blintendorf , Oberlemnitz and Seuptendorf . There is even a clear warning that animals should not be soaked on these reservoirs. However, the water quality of these small storage is not controlled, which raises additional concerns.

can be prepared for rising bathing bans

The problem with blue algae is not new. Over the past few years, these cyanobacteria have increased significantly nationwide. According to wetter.com were bathing bodies between July and mid-August 2019 in Germany imposed, and the algae also performed earlier this year. Several lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly affected, where bathing bans were imposed in Duisburg, Petershagen and Mülheim on the Ruhr.

Blue algae is not only a health risk for humans-that swallowing the contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal problems, while animals, including dogs, can seriously harm the poisonous algae. The request to exercise caution in front of a bath in affected waters is urgent in view of the health risks.

nationwide overview and control

Water quality in bathing waters is continuously monitored in Germany. Numerous resources are available for information and current data, as can be found on the website of the Environmental Authority . In 2024, 2,291 bathing water was examined, whereby the number of bathing bans is also statistically recorded. Of a total of 13,207 water samples, 98 percent received a positive judgment in accordance with the quality requirements of the EU bathing water guideline.

with 72 closures due to blue -green algae, which again represented a focus, it is clear that the dangers must be taken seriously by such waters. Only a bathing lake in Thuringia, the lido Breitungen, had to temporarily close. But the situation is not better in many other regions, and the authorities especially advise small children and people with a weakened immune system, for example from bathing.

The urgently needed information about bathing water quality is available for the summer of 2025. It is to be hoped that the situation will soon stabilize, and Cologne: Inside, soon to be able to immerse yourself in the refreshing waters.