Blue-green algae in the Quitzdorf Reservoir — Authorities Warn Against Swimming

Blue-green algae have proliferated heavily in the Quitzdorf Reservoir. The Görlitz District Health Department has therefore issued a warning against swimming in this body of water. Children, in particular, should avoid contact with the water. The blue-green algae were detected during a microscopic examination by the Dresden State Research Institute, the district administration announced.

Blue-green algae can pose a health risk to swimmers

The algae detected are “potential toxin-producing organisms” that can pose a health risk to swimmers, officials said. Toxin-producing organisms are microorganisms that produce toxins. The toxic effects may intensify if water contaminated with cyanobacteria is ingested repeatedly over several days.

“Even ingesting just 20 to 100 milliliters of heavily contaminated water can cause health problems. These include, among other things, liver damage, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eye, ear, and throat infections, muscle cramps, as well as skin irritation and allergic reactions,” the agency reported.

Water in the reservoir is murky—visible green streaks

In addition, an inspection at the dock of the Kollm Nord campground revealed a visibility depth of only 0.25 meters, the statement continued. This is significantly below the required minimum visibility depth of one meter. This could lead to increased safety risks, particularly during rescue operations.

According to the district administration office, the concentration of blue-green algae can vary within a body of water. It depends, among other things, on the location and wind direction. Green streaks are currently visible in the reservoir.