Blue-green algae in Lake Eder: District authorities advise against swimming near Rehbach
Anyone wishing to go for a swim in Lake Eder at the moment should avoid the Rehbach bathing area for the time being: the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is advising against swimming in this area with immediate effect. The reason is a sharp increase in blue-green algae over the past few days. The warm weather, strong sunshine and low water level in Lake Eder are encouraging the growth of what are known as cyanobacteria.
Regular checks at official bathing spots
There are two official bathing spotson Lake Eder – in Rehbach and Waldeck West. In Rehbach, one of the regular water quality tests carried out by the district’s health department revealed an elevated presence of blue-green algae. In Waldeck, the checks have not yet revealed any cause for concern. However, this could change rapidly in the coming days. “Blue-green algae can develop very quickly – and, incidentally, disappear just as quickly,” explains hygiene inspector Hendrik Graf. “This depends largely on the weather, the water depth, sunlight and the concentration of nutrients in the water.”
A call for personal responsibility
The Health Department does carry out regular checks at all bathing spots during the official bathing season, which runs from 1 June to 16 August. However, as blue-green algae can develop very suddenly, the department is also appealing to bathers to take personal responsibility: If the water in lakes is heavily clouded with a greenish or blue-green tinge, smells musty, has green streaks or patches forming on the surface, or has such poor visibility that you can no longer see your own feet in knee-deep water, you should, as a precaution, refrain from swimming at that spot – even if no official warning has yet been issued.
Health problems caused by contact with blue-green algae
On the other hand, contact with blue-green algaecan lead to health problemssuch as skin irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, vomiting or breathing difficulties, which may be triggered by contact with the bacteria. Children and pets are particularly at risk. If symptoms of this kind occur, you should consult your GP as a precaution.
Swimming in Lake Twistesee and Lake Diemelsee is still safe
In addition to the two official bathing areas on Lake Edersee, there is another at the lido on Lake Twistesee, as well as one each at Heringhausen and Helmighausen on Lake Diemelsee. These are also tested regularly as part of routine checks. As things stand, no blue-green algae blooms have yet been detected in Lake Twistesee or Lake Diemelsee.
As a general rule, when swimming in lakes, it is always recommended to use the official bathing areas. However, swimmers often use other access points to the water that are not regularly monitored. Blue-green algae can occur anywhere in lakes. Swimmers should therefore always be vigilant, wherever they are, and take a look at the water before jumping in.
At Lake Eder, the municipality of Edertal, following consultation with the district authority, will put up appropriate information signs at the bathing area in Rehbach to inform visitors and raise awareness of the issue. If you have any queries regarding blue-green algae, please contact the Health Department of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district on 05631 954-1554 or by email . Further information is also available here.
Caption: Blue-green algae were detected at Lake Eder near Rehbach during routine water monitoring. The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg, in conjunction with the municipality of Edertal, advises against swimming in this area. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)