Water quality - Blue-green algae found in four lakes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Due to high concentrations of Blue-green algae in four lakes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a bathing water warning has been issued by the Health Ministry. This affects the Krabs Lake in Bellin, the Lütt Lake in Vietow, the Hof Lake in Gubkow - all in the Rostock district - and the Krickow Lake in the Mecklenburg Lake District. A total of ten bathing water warnings have been issued in the region.
Blue-green algae can multiply rapidly during summer temperatures and produce toxic substances. Contact with them can lead to allergic reactions, the Health Ministry stated. Consuming larger quantities of water can cause nausea and vomiting. There is also a potential risk for pets when swimming.
The water quality of some lakes has been deemed insufficient. For instance, during bathing water tests in the Cantitzer Lake in the Mecklenburg Lake District between 2020 and 2023, an excessively high level of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) was detected. While these bacteria are not disease-causing agents in normal circumstances, they can serve as an indicator of faecal contamination or the presence of specific disease-causing agents in the water.
Swimming is particularly advised against in some lakes. In the Barther Bodden in the Vorpommern-Rügen district and at the Altwarp bathing area in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, a bathing ban has been imposed for the 2024 season. In total, there are reportedly 945 bathing waters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Despite the algae issue, many visitors still enjoy exploring the Blue alley in Schwerin, showcasing the beauty of Nature in Germany.
- The BMG has been monitoring the water quality of bathing waters in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern closely to ensure the public's health and safety.
- Given the recent warning, it's important to avoid consuming water from the affected lakes in the Rostock District, such as Krabs Lake.
- After conducting regular tests, it was found that the water quality of some lakes, like Cantitzer Lake, has fallen below the standard, leading to increased health concerns.
- While the Blue-green algae threat dominates the headlines, anglers can still find opportunities to fish in less affected areas of the region.
- Tourists planning a vacation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern should consider checking the current water quality status of desired bathing waters beforehand to make informed decisions.
