Swimming advisory issued for Bleiloch Reservoir due to blue-green algae

Saalburg beach at Bleiloch Reservoir is now under a swimming advisory due to a significant increase in blue-green algae. The Saale-Orla district health office issued the warning, adding to an existing advisory for the Saaldorf area that has been in place since late July.

Recent water quality tests at Saalburg beach revealed a visibility of less than one meter, greenish-cloudy water, and signs of algae bloom. The pH level and oxygen concentration were also above normal, indicating a high concentration of blue-green algae. Results from laboratory tests to determine if the microcystin toxin produced by the algae exceeds safe limits are expected next week.

Despite the advisories, the water quality at the official swimming spots in Kloster and Remptendorfer Bay remains within normal standards. Weekly water samples will be collected until the end of the swimming season on September 15. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of further algae spread.