The health department warns: Swimming in the Großer Alpsee endangers your health!

The health department warns: Swimming in the Großer Alpsee endangers your health!

The bathing season is already in full swing, but be careful at the Großer Alpsee near Immenstadt! The Oberallgäu Health Department took alarming water samples on July 7th and found that the limit values ​​for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci were exceeded. Particularly unpleasant: Both bacteria can cause persistent symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting if the water is swallowed and, in extreme cases, can also trigger more serious infections. The authorities therefore urgently warn: Swimming in the Großer Alpsee is currently at your own risk, because health always has priority.

As the health department further informs, follow-up inspections are planned in the coming days in order to continuously monitor the water quality. The experts also urge caution if there are signs of blue-green algae in the lake. These are noticeable through cloudy, greenish-milky water or visible streaks on the surface. If you have such symptoms, we strongly advise against taking a bath. High temperatures and little water exchange contribute to the development of germs in Allgäu lakes, which further aggravates the situation.

Overview of blue-green algae

But what exactly are these blue-green algae that so often appear in the headlines? In fact, they are cyanobacterial bacteria that can appear en masse in summer when the weather is warm and there is little wind. Their danger lies in the fact that some of them produce toxins that pose health risks to humans and animals. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and small children are particularly at risk. Symptoms of poisoning can lead to paralysis and shortness of breath, which represents a serious danger, as NDR highlights.

So if you come across a greenish or foamy water surface during a visit to Alpsee, alarm bells should ring. Visible fish on the surface of the water or a cloudy water color are also warning signs. The distinction between harmless green algae and harmful blue-green algae can often only be made in the laboratory, which is why it is advisable to use official bathing waters and always keep an eye on the water quality.

Regular checks and recommendations

The water quality is usually checked regularly in summer, especially in EU bathing waters, which include the Großer Alpsee. Health departments conduct tests for bacteria, visibility depth and other important metrics to ensure conditions are good for swimming. In Brandenburg and Berlin, for example, regular checks are carried out in bathing areas, while non-official sites are often neglected. Official data is often available online, which is an important source of information for all bathing enthusiasts, as Maz-online emphasizes. If there are visible signs such as bluish-green water, it is recommended to avoid taking a bath as a precaution.

These warnings are particularly relevant considering that severe weather events such as heavy rain can result in short-term pollution. It is therefore advisable to carry out a comprehensive self-check of the water quality every now and then to ensure carefree bathing pleasure.

So you want to jump in the water in the next few days? Then find out about the current water quality in advance and follow the advice of your health authorities! Safety comes first, then nothing stands in the way of a relaxing day on the water.