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Last chance for Lake Werder: water pollution is now being fought!
On September 23, 2025, Bremen started the third attempt to combat the invasive waterweed in Lake Werder.
Last chance for Lake Werder: water pollution is now being fought!
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Bremen once again entered the fight against the annoying water plague on Lake Werder. An amphibious mowing vehicle used by the Bremen environmental department was used to tackle the invasive weeds that had spread massively in the summer of this year. This is the third attempt to permanently remove the plant, which could not be successfully removed in two previous mowing campaigns. The small residues that can spread in the water make complete removal almost impossible. Even if the third attempt at the end of the season promises more success, the people of Bremen have to hope for a permanent solution, because the water plague will probably always remain a part of the water landscape. At least the spread can be contained with the right measures, as Weser-Kurier reports.
The spread of waterweed, which is not harmful to humans or animals but displaces native plant species, has been observed since spring 2025. The environmental department then reacted and commissioned the company to pull out the plants and their roots in the bathing area. But one thing is certain: complete elimination is unrealistic. The Bremen CDU is calling for the waterweed to be completely removed, but according to statements from the environmental department, the costs and effort involved would be enormous. Sustainable solutions are required, reaching out to other affected communities is an important step in exchanging experiences. The Buten un Binnen lets it be known that alternative methods such as the use of grass carp, which are also considered an invasive species, are being considered.
Ecological and economic aspects
The growing problem of invasive aquatic plants does not only affect Bremen. The economic damage that these plants can cause is enormous. A study referenced by IGB Berlin shows that invasive species not only endanger biodiversity, but also cause high costs in various areas such as aquaculture and tourism. These economic losses add up in Germany and beyond, especially in times of climate change, which favors the spread of such species.
Invasive aquatic plants such as Canadian waterweed or narrow-leaved waterweed are on the rise. The loss of species goes hand in hand with the change in habitats, the promotion of homogeneous communities and the associated negative effects on tourism and leisure activities. The problem requires large investments in management measures to maintain the balance in our waters, because the economic consequences cannot be underestimated. It remains to be hoped that the current weeding operations at Werdersee will be a helpful step towards more sustainable water management.