Swimming Zone Langerei in Bruges Closes Again Due to Blue-Green Algae, 4 Days After Reopening

The swimming zone at Langerei in Bruges has been forced to close once more due to an outbreak of blue-green algae, a mere four days after it had reopened. This marks the second time this summer that the popular swimming area has become inaccessible, highlighting persistent water quality issues.

Despite the city's investments in measures aimed at stabilizing water quality, the blue-green algae problem continues to resurface. Initiatives such as limiting the amount of fish bait in the water and installing new aerators have proven ineffective in preventing the algae bloom.

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By the announced heat for the coming weeks, I cannot rule out that we will remain closed for weeks. We have nature in our hands unfortunately not.

Olivier Strubbe, the alderman of sport, expressed pessimism about a short-term improvement. "Given the announced heat for the coming weeks, I cannot rule out that we will remain closed for weeks," he stated, adding, "Unfortunately, we do not have nature in our hands."

The recurring closures also present a financial challenge for the city. Lifeguards are employed to ensure safety when the zone is open. However, if the swimming area remains closed, these student workers will be reassigned to other city services, representing a cost for the municipality.

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That is indeed a cost for the city. They are student workers, but if the swimming zone does not open, they will be deployed to other services within the city.