Health warning: bathing lakes in Berlin because of algae and bacteria endangered

Health warning: bathing lakes in Berlin because of algae and bacteria endangered

Health protection in Berlin. In the capital in the capital, there are currently considerable concerns about water quality-including popular bathing spots such as the Wannsee lido.

warnings of health risks

The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) called on Friday afternoon to refrain from bathing at the Große Müggelsee and in the Müggelsee lido in Köpenick. The reason for this are increased values ​​of faecal indicator bacteria, especially E. coli. The LAGESO is active to avoid health risks to avoid a bath in these waters.

algae problem and its consequences

In addition, there are reports of a negative impairment of bathing water quality due to algae flowers at the Dahme and Unterhavel bathing areas. Increased water temperatures and a lot of sunshine have led to the formation of algae. These algae, in particular certain blue algae, can produce toxic substances (toxins). Skin irritation and allergies often occur in affected people. The combination of cloudy waters and a high algae concentration not only makes bathing more risky, but also makes rescue measures difficult.

limited bathing water quality

The warnings apply to the following bathing areas:

• Dahme: Schmöckwitz, large Krampe, Bammelecke
• Unterhavel/Wannsee: Grunewaldurm, Small Bathwiese, Breithorn, Lieper Bay, cyclist, large window, lido Wannsee, Alter Hof

recommended behaviors for bathers

Visitors to these waters should consider some precautionary measures:

• Avoid bathing in cloudy waters with limited depth of vision.
• avoid areas with visible streaks or "carpets" of algae, especially with children.
• change your bathing clothing immediately after bathing and rub your skin vigorously with a towel. If possible, you should take a shower after bathing.
• In the event of health complaints, such as irritation of the skin or respiratory tract, as well as gastrointestinal complaints, see a doctor as a precaution.

source of information

For further information on blue -green algae, current ratings of bathing water quality and on officially monitored bathing spots in Berlin Visit the LAGESO website: www.berlin.de/lageso/gesundheit/badegegewaesser/ .

The water quality on the 39 officially monitored bathing spots in Berlin can be called up online, including results and addresses.

relevance of the warnings for bathers

These warnings are particularly important to protect the health of the bathers. The increasing temperatures and climate change could lead to more frequent cases of algae flowers, which affects not only the bathing culture, but also the health of residents and visitors.

- Nag