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Water pollution in the leisure lake: This is how clubs fight against green danger!
On August 14, 2025, a special boat to combat waterborne pests will be used at the Northeim leisure lake to ensure safety for swimmers.
Water pollution in the leisure lake: This is how clubs fight against green danger!
A special boat is currently being used to combat water pests at the Northeim leisure lake. This invasive aquatic plant, which originally comes from North America, has increasingly spread into German waters in recent years. How HNA reports, the boat, which is used by members of local clubs, was stationed in July last year. An experienced boat driver, Bernd Henze, can transport around 500 kilos of the annoying growths per trip.
The situation is alarming: the water plague not only endangers the lives of swimmers, but has spread particularly strongly on the surface of the water this year. The THW, the DLRG and the sailing club have joined forces since the beginning of the week to remove the algae. The first containers with the annoying growth have already been filled, but the arduous work demands everything from the helpers. At the beginning of the year, the city administration initially decided not to remove it for nature conservation reasons, but after concerns from lifeguards, action was taken quickly. Mayor Simon Hartmann gave the order to develop solutions at the beginning of August.
Planned measures and challenges
The fight against waterweed takes place in two steps: First, the vegetation is mowed down to a depth of two meters, followed by picking up the plant material with a rake. So far this year, 20 tons of waterweed have been removed, but to remove all the algae, 14 days of work in shifts would be necessary - a logistical challenge. The cleaning is currently taking place specifically in the areas at the bathing area and in front of the sailing club. Approval for removal was first granted in mid-July, and the mapping of vegetation zones by the NLWKN played a central role in this.
The causes of the algae problem are diverse. One reason is the rising water temperatures, which promote the growth of waterweed. This is often exacerbated by nutrient overload, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Additionally, it is believed that inadequate water circulation creates ideal conditions for algae growth, as well AquaworldHub confirmed.
Financial support and future prospects
In order to secure financing for the measures, the monastery chamber waived the rental fee of 50,000 euros per year and supported the purchase of the mowing boat in the amount of 150,000 euros. In return, the residents no longer have to contribute to the lease, but the associations take on maintenance and repair work. They pay a total of 20,000 euros, of which 5,000 euros are used to operate the boat and 15,000 euros are used for reserves.
In the future, the city plans to bring the issue to the Maritime Commission and explore various options, including the possibility of renting another mowing boat. The concerns of local residents and the safety of swimmers are the top priority, as the water plague must be dealt with decisively.
The situation at the Northeim leisure lake reminds us how important it is to keep an eye on the environment and to act actively to protect our waters. A tasty body of water without water pollution remains the goal for the coming period, so there is a lot of work ahead of those responsible!