Swimming in danger: Health authorities warn of blue-green algae and E.coli!

Swimming in danger: Health authorities warn of blue-green algae and E.coli!

Swimming in the waters of Brandenburg should be enjoyed with caution at the moment. The health department of the Oder-Spree district has classified three swimming areas as questionable due to blue-green algae and increased E.coli levels. Certainly a warning for all those who want to refresh themselves in the cool waters.

The bathing areas in the Spreepark Beeskow, at Schwielochsee in Niewisch and the Mitte lido in Bad Saarow are affected. Warning signs are now posted in these places, advising families with children and sensitive people in particular to be careful when bathing. What is particularly worrying is that cyanobacteria have been detected in Beeskow and Niewisch, while the Strandbad Mitte in Bad Saarow is still not open to the public despite good visibility because problematic E. coli levels were also found here.

The hard facts

A total of 34 bathing areas in the district were tested and, fortunately, 31 of them received the rating “without complaints”. Positive water qualities can be found, among others, in the Grubensee, Großer Stapellsee and Scharmützelsee, where the visibility depths are up to two meters. The water temperatures are pleasant for summer and vary between 20.2 °C and 25.5 °C, with the Schervenzsee being the warmest bathing lake at over 25 °C.

• Betroffene Badestellen:
• Beeskow (Spreepark)
• Niewisch (Schwielochsee)
• Bad Saarow (Strandbad Mitte)
• Positive Badestellen:
• Grubensee
• Großer Treppelsee
• Scharmützelsee

However, the problem with blue-green algae is not only an issue in Brandenburg. Increased levels of fecal bacteria and blue-green algae were also found in twelve bathing areas in Berlin. The high temperatures this summer are particularly conducive to the growth of these microbes. For example, people warned against swimming at Müggelsee because E.coli bacteria were also detected here. In Brandenburg, however, only one bathing area, the Hohenjesarscher See in Alt Zeschdorf, is affected by such a warning.

What are blue-green algae?

A common misconception is that blue-green algae is real algae. In fact, they are cyanobacteria that can occur in large numbers, especially in warm, shallow waters with little wind and sunshine. They produce toxins that can be dangerous to humans and animals. Signs that blue-green algae are present include bluish-green cloudiness, streaking and even dead fish on the surface of the water. Health risks include irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, allergic reactions and, in the worst case, diarrhea or respiratory diseases, especially in children and pregnant women.

The health department will continue to monitor water quality regularly and recommends avoiding cloudy waters and areas with green streaks to avoid health risks. When going on a trip to the nearest bathing spots, bathers should always keep the current warnings in mind.

While some swimming spots are safe and inviting, it is advisable to research water quality beforehand and visit official testing sites. After all, you want to dive into the cool water without any worries and enjoy the summer! With this in mind: stay healthy and careful.

For more information about the situation in Brandenburg and current developments, read the reports from moz.de, rbb24.de and ndr.de.