- Red wall house fights germs in water - emergency operation
The Rotwandhaus, located above the Spitzingsee lake in the Miesbach district, continues to struggle with ensuring a germ-free drinking water supply. However, hikers can now buy non-alcoholic drinks and consume them on the terrace, as stated on the hut's website. Additionally, the toilets have reopened. Nevertheless, the operators warn that the water from the tap is not drinking water. Despite this, visitors have repeatedly filled their water bottles there. This was also reported by the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, among others.
"Fustrating"
There are still no alcoholic drinks or food available. "Peak season and we remain closed," the hut's website states. "It's frustrating, but there's nothing we can do about it. We ask for your understanding." They are now hoping to open with simple food options during the Bavarian summer holidays, said Anselm Engelmayer, treasurer of the section responsible for the hut, Turner-Alpen-Kränzchen of the German Alpine Association (DAV).
The popular alpine hut has been closed since the mountain rescue service treated 21 visitors for severe gastrointestinal symptoms at the end of May; seven of them were hospitalized. Initially, it was suspected that the infected had probably contracted the highly contagious Norovirus. Rotavirus was also found in the drinking water.
They may have come from the source that supplies the hut with water, said Engelmayer. The origin of the viruses is still unknown. Speculation includes a possible connection with cattle grazing. There are alpine pastures all around, and the source is about 150 meters below the hut.
Temporary water supply
As a temporary solution, they plan to use containers for water supply, said Engelmayer. However, this is "economically and ecologically crazy." Therefore, they are working intensively to protect the water supply from the source with additional measures against germs, including mechanical filters and UV radiation.
The Rotavirus is very resistant, said a spokesperson for the Miesbach district administration involved in the case. Chlorine does not help with this pathogen. "It's incredibly difficult to purify the water with these viruses."
Up to 1,000 day visitors can be expected at the hut on a nice day, at an altitude of around 1,700 meters below the Rotwand peak. In summer, it is also a target for mountain bikers and climbers who have set their sights on the nearby Ruchenköpfe. In winter, the relatively snow-sure area attracts ski tourers with many tour options.
Despite the temporary water supply limitations, visitors continue to show interest in the Red-walled house, filling their water bottles despite the warnings. The Red-walled house, with its closed food and alcohol options, is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and ski tourers, attracting up to 1,000 day visitors on a nice day.
