Crystal-clear lake ideal for swimming during summer and sunny days - Exceptional Sea Water Quality this Summer, under Warm Sunlight
Bavaria's swimming lakes, like all inland bathing waters in Germany, adhere to the stringent criteria set by the European Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC). This Directive establishes rigorous hygiene and water quality standards, focusing primarily on the presence and concentration of specific bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci, which are indicators of faecal contamination.
**Sampling and Classification**
Water samples are collected at all designated bathing sites before and during the bathing season according to a strict monitoring schedule. The Directive defines four classifications for bathing water quality: excellent, good, sufficient, and poor. The exact thresholds for each classification are specified in Annex I of the Directive and depend on the measured concentrations of E. coli and intestinal enterococci.
**Regular Testing and Public Information**
Authorities conduct regular water sampling and laboratory analysis throughout the bathing season to ensure compliance. Results are made publicly available, typically on official government or environmental agency websites, enabling swimmers to make informed choices.
**Environmental Policy and Compliance**
Strict environmental regulations help maintain high water quality, as seen in lakes like Königssee, where these measures contribute to its crystal-clear and pristine reputation. In 2024, 97.8% of Germany’s inland bathing waters met the EU’s minimum quality standards; about 91% of these were classified as excellent.
**Occasional Issues and Continuous Improvement**
Some lakes, such as Rothsee, may experience temporary declines in water quality due to factors like excessive geese populations leading to increased droppings and consequent bacterial contamination. However, these instances are not the norm, and ongoing monitoring and enforcement support the continuous improvement and maintenance of high water quality.
**Emphasis on Responsible Swimming**
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Health Minister Judith Gerlach (both CSU) announced that the water quality in Bavaria's swimming lakes is excellent, based on 1,121 samples examined by the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) since April. The tragic swimming accident at the Eibsee was mentioned as a reason for emphasizing the importance of swimming responsibly.
In high temperatures, Minister Gerlach cautioned against jumping into cold water, as it can cause heart and circulatory problems. The excellent water quality is considered good news for Bavarian bathers, especially with the approach of the summer holidays.
The Free State of Bavaria supports swimming education through programs for swimming pools and the Seepferdchen (seahorse) program. Minister Gerlach also urged bathers to dispose of their rubbish properly, take it with them, and not to feed water birds. LGL President Christian Weidner recommends checking the LGL online bathing water map for an overview of monitored bathing spots.
In conclusion, Bavaria’s swimming lakes are rigorously monitored and maintained to meet or exceed European standards for water quality, with a strong focus on bacterial contamination and regular public reporting. Most lakes in Bavaria are classified as excellent or good, though isolated issues can arise and are typically addressed by local authorities.
- The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) follows a comprehensive environmental policy, not only ensuring the high water quality of Bavaria's swimming lakes but also focusing on other aspects of the environment, such as implementing science-based approaches to health-and-wellness, promoting fitness-and-exercise, and advocating for proper nutrition.
- Additionally, the LGL supports programs like swimming education in pools and the Seepferdchen (seahorse) program, which encourage fitness, wellness, and responsible behavior like disposing of waste properly and not feeding water birds.
- On the topic of overall health and wellness, LGL President Christian Weidner advises bathers to consider other factors, such as minding temperature differences, especially during high summer temperatures, to avoid heart and circulatory problems when entering cold water.
