Tuesday, August 20
“Swimming is not recommended”: Algae and E.coli blight Berlin lakes
Heading out to the lake for a refreshing dip is a staple of summertime in Berlin, but as temperatures rise experienced swimmers know to be on the lookout for signs of potentially toxic algae, which can bloom in the warmer months of the year, causing health problems.
According to Berlin’s State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), a large bloom of blue algae is currently affecting the Unterhavel. This is noticeable through the streaks and carpeting formed by the algae on the water’s surface. For children and people with sensitive skin, this fungal material can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. Swimming is now not recommended at several areas along the Havel, including the bathing areas of Strandbad Wannsee, Grunewaldturm, Kleine Badewiese, Breitehorn, Lieper Bucht, Radfahrerwiese, Große Steinlanke and Alter Hof.
However, algae is not the only thing blighting some of Berlin’s favourite bodies of water. A warning has now also been issued for the popular FKK bathing spot of Teufelsee in Grunewald. Here, a dangerous level of E.coli bacteria has been detected, leading Lageso to also warn against swimming there. E.coli bacteria is generally found in the intestines of humans and animals. A large body of water is usually impacted by this bacteria through faeces sent in flows of wastewater or runoff from agricultural areas, though swimmers and even birds can also contribute to the problem.
