Attention: Bathing is prohibited at Lake Brombachsee due to dangerous blue-green algae!

Attention: Bathing is prohibited at Lake Brombachsee due to dangerous blue-green algae!

The summer heat not only brings sunshine and joy at the quarry pond, but also health risks from blue-green algae. The situation in the Franconian Lake District, especially at Altmühlsee and Kleiner Brombachsee, is deteriorating noticeably. The health department in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district has updated the bathing bans and warnings in the last few days in order to protect the population. Recent samples showed an increased presence of cyanobacteria, which are known for their harmful health effects. While the situation at many other bathing beaches in the Lake District is still considered harmless, a bathing ban is currently imposed at the Schlungenhof Seezentrum, while there is only a bathing warning in Muhr am See and Wald. Swimming warnings also apply at all four measuring points in the Kleiner Brombachsee due to blue-green algae blooms.

The danger does not only come from the visible algae mats that form at high temperatures and when there is no wind. According to Apotheken-Umschau, these cyanobacteria, which from an evolutionary perspective are one of the oldest life forms, are capable of producing toxins. Upon contact, these can cause health problems such as irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, nausea or even respiratory diseases. Weak participants, such as children, pregnant women or people with weak immune systems, are particularly at risk.

Warning for bathers and their four-legged friends

The health department also warns dog owners to be careful. The toxins from blue-green algae can also be dangerous for animals, as they often drink from contaminated water. Symptoms of poisoning in dogs include vomiting and diarrhea. Dog owners should therefore ensure that their animals do not come into contact with the algae. In the event of contact, experts advise to consult a veterinarian immediately.

The risk increases with water temperature and nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which often enter waterways through fertilizers. These factors promote the growth of blue-green algae. Especially in times of climate change, when water bodies are warming up more quickly, blue-green algae blooms are a growing problem that also affects bathing water in other regions of Germany.

What should bathers pay attention to?

The health department cares about the health of bathers. It is recommended that you pay attention to the local information and signs regarding bathing water quality, as the situation can change quickly. A general rule of thumb is that your feet should remain visible in knee-deep water. A clear depth of visibility is always a good sign of clean water.

For everyone who wants to swim safely, there is only one thing left to do: take a look at the current warnings on the district office's homepage and take a thorough shower after swimming to remove any residues of harmful blue-green algae. It can't hurt to take a look at the relevant signaling on site, as safety always comes first. The Franconian Lake District is known for its beautiful swimming lakes, but when it comes to heat and blue-green algae, safety comes first.