Choosing a safe swim: essential water quality checks before diving in the ocean

In lakes across the globe, a common health hazard known as blue-green algae can pose a significant risk to both humans and animals. These algae, which can turn the water green or blue-green, are often visible and can lead to a variety of health issues if proper precautions are not taken.

Blue-green algae can be found in lakes that have been polluted by runoff from the land, particularly after heavy rain. To stay informed about water quality, it is advisable to pay attention to signs and to consult local media or online resources provided by organisations such as the German Federal Environmental Agency, the Federal Institute of Hydrology, and the European Environment Agency. However, it is important to note that lakes not designated as bathing waters may not be mentioned in such reports.

Visible signs of blue-green algae in lakes can include discoloration of the water, the formation of floating mats, foam, or scum on the water surface, and an unpleasant odor. The blooms can appear in various hues, such as blue-green, bright green, brown, red, or even purple. They can develop rapidly and sometimes resemble paint spilled on the water, pea soup, grass clippings, or foam.

Exposure to these algae can lead to health issues, as they produce toxins called cyanotoxins. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms, from mild ones such as skin irritation, rash, headaches, sore throat, and mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), to severe ones like neurological effects, liver damage, respiratory distress, liver failure, or cardiac arrest. Sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk even at low toxin concentrations.

To minimise the risk of exposure, public health advisories often recommend avoiding contact with water showing signs of blue-green algae and carefully rinsing the skin if contact occurs. It is also advisable not to go in the water if you are standing knee-deep and cannot see your feet.

In addition, it is important to note that dogs are more sensitive to blue-green algae than humans. In summer, lower water levels in lakes may mean that the water has passed through wastewater treatment plants more extensively.

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[1] World Health Organization. (2019). Blue-green algae: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/blue-green-algae-what-you-need-to-know [2] Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Harmful Algal Blooms. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/harmful-algal-blooms [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Harmful Algal Blooms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/beaches/algal-blooms.html

Recognizing blue-green algae is crucial as it can cause various health issues when proper precautions are overlooked.
Blue-green algae blooms can be encouraged by polluted land runoff, especially after heavy rainfall.
Staying informed about water quality is essential for safety; pay attention to signs and consult local resources like the German Federal Environmental Agency or European Environment Agency.
Lakes without bathing water designations might not be included in such reports.
Signs of blue-green algae can include discolored water, floating mats, foam, or scum, and an unpleasant odor.
These blooms can take on various colors like blue-green, green, brown, red, or even purple.
Exposure to blue-green algae can result in skin irritation, rash, headaches, sore throat, and mild gastrointestinal upset.
More severe symptoms could involve neurological effects, liver damage, respiratory distress, liver failure, or cardiac arrest.
Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, are at higher risk even at low toxin concentrations.
To reduce exposure risk, public health advisories urge avoiding contact with water showing signs of blue-green algae and careful skin rinsing.
If standing knee-deep in such water and unable to see your feet, it is advisable to avoid contact.
Dogs are more sensitive to blue-green algae than humans, especially during summer when water levels are low.
Wastewater treatment plants may have more impact on lower water levels in lakes during summer.
A city library in Hamm has temporarily closed due to a lawsuit against an abortion ban.
This information marks the news from Hamm for the current period.
A new substitution practice in Hamm is scheduled to open by 2025.
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