Upper Swabian lakes in focus: renovation starts again by 2030!

Upper Swabian lakes in focus: renovation starts again by 2030!

Over the last few decades, the lake landscape of Upper Swabia has established itself not only as a holiday and relaxation spot, but also as an important ecosystem that needs to be protected. However, many of these bodies of water, which provide a home for a wide variety of flora and fauna, suffer greatly from high nutrient pollution. This often leads to increased plant growth and, as a result, to silting up. The action program for the rehabilitation of the Upper Swabian lakes, which has been in force since 1989 - on the initiative of the Lake Constance-Upper Swabia regional association - therefore aims to sustainably improve the water quality of these habitats. Schwäbische.de reports that under this program, 96 lakes are regularly examined to ensure good ecological status.

In spring 2023, all participating districts, such as Biberach, Sigmaringen, Ravensburg and Lake Constance, as well as 47 cities and municipalities, reaffirmed their commitment for another five years. A contract for the next funding period will be signed on Friday in Bad Waldsee. The project period currently runs until August 2023, followed by a new phase until 2030. This plan is necessary because, according to the Federal Environment Agency In Germany, only around 24.7% of the large lakes currently manage to achieve a good condition.

Monitoring and measures

The regular examinations of the lakes not only include health checks for germ contamination, but also record important parameters such as water temperature, oxygen content and visibility depth. The nutrient content in particular serves as an indicator of the health of the waters. Measures such as the extensification of agricultural land, the creation of waterfront strips and the expansion of sewage treatment plants are important in counteracting nutrient pollution. These steps have already helped improve water quality, which has a positive impact on ecosystems.

Particularly noteworthy is the Ummendorf bathing lake. Despite a doubling of phosphorus content between 2011 and 2021, it remains in the desired state. The municipality undertakes to provide 1,200 euros annually for participation in the lakes program. Long-term observations of water quality are of central importance here in order to be able to react to changes in a timely manner.

Ecological challenges

Nutrient accumulation is loud gewaesser-rating.de represents one of the greatest challenges for the lakes. Experience shows that northern German lowland lakes in particular have to struggle particularly under these conditions. The EU has set itself a goal with the Water Framework Directive: every lake should achieve at least a good ecological status by 2027. But more than ever, a rethink in agriculture is necessary in order to reduce nutrient inputs in the catchment area.

In addition, global warming and the associated changes in weather patterns are causing increasing concern. In order to increase the resilience of lakes to climate-related changes, further measures to reduce anthropogenic pollution are essential. All in all, the situation of the Upper Swabian lakes remains both a challenge and an opportunity for the regional actors and nature itself.