Bathing ban at Altmühlsee lifted – water quality safe again?

Bathing ban at Altmühlsee lifted – water quality safe again?

Bathers can breathe a sigh of relief again at the Altmühlsee near Gunzenhausen: The health department in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district lifted the bathing ban on June 30, 2025. This is welcome news as water quality has improved significantly during the recent heatwave. The bathing areas at the Muhr lake center and in Schlungenhof have now been classified as “suitable for swimming”. However, swimmers in Schlungenhof must still observe a swimming warning.

Regular inspections of bathing water quality by the health department have shown that the health risks caused by fecal germs in Lake Altmühlsee are under control. This gives guests the opportunity to relax in the cool waters of the lake and enjoy the warm summer days.

Blue-green algae and its dangers

But despite the positive news, caution remains advised: blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can pose a health risk when present in large numbers. These bacteria occur in large numbers, especially in dry, warm and sunny weather and are a risk not only to bathers, but also to dogs. How NDR Reportedly, some types of blue-green algae produce toxic substances that can, under certain circumstances, lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

The rule of thumb is: your feet should be visible in knee-deep water. Visual changes in the water, such as greenish cloudiness or carpets of algae, are alarming signs. If these occur, bathers should immediately avoid the bathing areas and check the district office's homepage for current bathing warnings.

Safety measures and behavioral instructions

To minimize the risks of blue-green algae, it is important to use official bathing areas and heed the warning signs on site. A yellow flag indicates a swimming warning, while a red flag signals a swimming ban. These measures help ensure a safe environment for all water sports enthusiasts. The health department regularly monitors water quality, but blue-green algae accumulations may appear or recede quickly, depending on weather conditions.

If you come into contact with blue-green algae, it is recommended to take a thorough shower and change your swimwear after swimming. If you have symptoms after swimming, you should contact a doctor immediately. In particular, young children and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk and should be particularly careful Onmeda warns.

All in all, despite the pleasant summer season, all bathers should be vigilant and always keep an eye on local advisories and relevant authorities. There is great enthusiasm for the cool water at Altmühlsee - the most important thing is to stay healthy and safe!