Ansbach: Four new waters due to blue algae - warning valid!

Ansbach: Four new waters due to blue algae - warning valid!

In Franconia there is currently a growing problem with the blue -green algae load in several waters. The district office in the Ansbach district announced that due to this increased load on the phone, bathing bans were immediately issued in four additional systems. This is done in the context of a general trend that is worrying because more and more bathing areas are affected. However, a ray of hope is that the warning for the Sonnensee in Kettenhöfstetten could be lifted.

The newly affected areas include the Batheweiher Röckingen, Dennenloher See, the Brunner Badeweiher and the Burk Batheiher. The fact that there has been a bathing ban for four ponds and a warning for seven water since August 29 has shown how dangerous blue algae can be. These warnings concern particularly endangered groups, including children, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system because the cyanobacteria can cause serious illnesses.

dangers from blue algae

Blue algae are not only unsightly greenish streaks on the water surface, they are also a serious health risk. In the worst case, the respiratory muscles and nerve damage can occur, a spokesman for the district office said. The appearance of such bacteria should be considered with caution on every bathing excursion. Even for children, an additional water absorption can be life -threatening. Often the symptoms are less dramatic, but often express themselves in nausea, diarrhea and irritation of the eyes, ears and mucous membranes. Pets are also in danger; You can suffer heavy poisoning when drinking contaminated water.

How can bathers recognize whether they run the risk of swimming in a water polluted by blue algae? Is the water greenish or bluish green, are streaks or algae carpets visible, or do dead fish on the surface? These warning signals should be taken seriously, because there may also be green algae, but the danger of which can only be proven in the laboratory. It is therefore advisable to find out more before the planned bathing trip and to consider the latest warnings.

cases throughout Bavaria

The problem is not limited to the Ansbach district. The Bavarian Ministry of Health reported that between 2022 and this year in 13 lakes and ponds, which are classified as EU bathing waters, a total of 17 bathing spots recorded at least two outbreaks of mass increases of blue algae. The Altmühlsee and the small Brombachsee in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district are particularly affected, together with other waters in Upper Bavaria and Upper Franconia. Bathing bans also apply in the Ebenhausen pond as well as the Weißenstädter See and the Baggersee Ebing. In the Unterallgäu, five water areas are also affected, which reinforces the situation and causes concern in the region.

The authorities therefore recommend that they inform themselves proactively and ask the responsible bodies before planning a bathing trip. Ultimately, the responsibility for your own safety in the water is with each individual, and it is better to be on the safe side than to be exposed to a violent health risk.