Eichbaumsee closed until further notice: Danger from blue algae!

Eichbaumsee closed until further notice: Danger from blue algae!

Eichbaumsee, Hamburg, Deutschland - In the beautiful mountain village, the current situation on the Eichbaumsee ensures concerned faces. The reason for this are the massive blue algae, or rather, the cyanobacteria. These sticky fellows not only ensure unsightly greenish clouding of the water, but also bring health risks with them. As the Hamburg.de is closed to further notice to protect the population from possible dangers.

The preliminary blocking was decided due to a massive increase in these cyanobacteria. These small, often invisible bacteria can produce toxic substances that are harmful to humans and animals in mass development. "The symptoms of poisoning can range from nausea and diarrhea to shortness of breath", warns the ndr . The district office has set up corresponding signage to point out the visitors at the danger and urges not to let dogs go into the water or to have them drinked from them. A clear announcement: security is going on!

blue algae: an underestimated danger

Especially in the summer months, blue algae develop rapidly in warm waters. According to the Environmental Office there are above all liver oven substances such as microcystine that come from cyanobacteria. These toxic substances can be released by the water supply and when preparing drinking water. "For Microcystin LR, the WHO specifies a preliminary conductive value of 1 µg/l, which is often exceeded," says the current reports. The great danger is that pregnant women, toddlers and people with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of these bacteria.

In addition, it is often difficult to distinguish between harmless green algae and the harmful blue algae. Visible signs such as dead fish on the water surface or a cloudy water surface are warning signals that should not be ignored. It is therefore recommended to find out more about official bathing areas where the water quality is regularly checked.

What does that mean for the region?

The blocking of the Eichbaumsee is a clear signal that the authorities take the protection of the population seriously. It remains to be seen how long the popular recreational location will be closed, especially since there is currently no information on the removal of the blocking. The enthusiasm for swimming and nature in the region is unbroken, but security now has absolute priority. Another research on blue algae and their effects is essential. Finally: "The health of our citizens: inside should always come first."