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Blue-green algae alarm: Swimming in Ostprignitz-Ruppin is now life-threatening!
In Ostprignitz-Ruppin, several lakes were closed to bathers due to blue-green algae infestation. Health risks are high.
Blue-green algae alarm: Swimming in Ostprignitz-Ruppin is now life-threatening!
There is currently a major health problem in the idyllic lakes of the Ostprignitz-Ruppin district: blue-green algae have been found in large quantities in several bodies of water. These include the Borker See near Bork, the Große Baalsee near Walkmühle and the Königsberger See near the Königsberg campsite. In addition, the Jahnbad on Lake Ruppin in Neuruppin is being examined to see whether blue-green algae is also present there. Due to the severely limited visibility of less than 0.5 meters, swimming in Borker See and Jahnbad is strongly discouraged, as Zeit Online reports.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is extremely dangerous under certain conditions, such as summer temperatures. They can produce toxic substances that pose health risks, especially for people with weakened immune systems, small children and pregnant women. Symptoms of poisoning range from nausea and vomiting to respiratory problems or allergic reactions. Algae can often be identified by cloudy water, blue-green streaks or a foul smell. Above all, visibility is crucial: You should have visible feet in knee-deep water, otherwise caution is advised, according to the advice from NDR.
Visible dangers and warning signs
Addressing warning signs is particularly important given the current bathing ban situation. If there are cloud-like formations or carpets of algae on the water surface, alarm bells should ring. According to Deutschlandfunk you should always check the water quality before swimming. Algae blooms are more likely, especially in warm months when water temperatures are above 20 degrees. Such blooms arise not only from high temperatures, but also from nutrient input into the water, which is promoted by agricultural activities.
Although blue-green algae play an important role in ecosystems and produce about 20% of the world's oxygen, their overpopulation is a serious problem. The formation of oxygen-poor zones in the water not only endangers the life of the fish, but the entire habitat also suffers, which ultimately also affects the local fauna.
Authorities carry out regular tests of bathing water and, if necessary, issue bathing bans in order to protect the health of bathers. In the current case, this is particularly important because dead fish have already been spotted in the affected waters, which is a clear warning signal.
We appeal to all citizens to find out about the water quality before swimming and to take the current warnings seriously. Stay healthy and enjoy nature – but please do so carefully!