Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) - The water quality in Hesse's bathing lakes is very good: The EU Commission has classified the Hessian bathing waters as good as never before for 2021, the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) reported on Friday in Wiesbaden . Accordingly, 59 of the 61 Hessian EU bathing waters had an "excellent" hygienic bathing water quality.
The remaining two also have a "good" hygienic quality. None of the Hessian bathing lakes was rated "sufficient" or "poor". The most recent measurement data can be viewed on the badeseen.hlnug.de website.
According to HLNUG, most operators have now opened their bathing lakes. After two summers with restrictions due to the corona pandemic, "carefree bathing pleasure is now possible again". This year the bathing lakes are warmer than in 2021: while the values on the water surface were 14 to 18 degrees by the end of May last year, according to HLNUG this year they are between 18 and 23 degrees in mid-May.
The official EU bathing areas are strictly monitored in accordance with the EU Bathing Water Directive and the Hessian Bathing Water Ordinance to ensure harmless use. Before the start of the individually determined bathing season and then at least once a month, the responsible health authorities examine the water for the bacteria Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci - indicator germs for faecal contamination.
In addition, it is observed whether there is a massive increase in blue-green algae during the bathing season. Contact with them can lead to health impairments. We generally advise against bathing in rivers and streams, as discharged sewage can be contaminated with germs that cause diseases.
