The lake in Borlefzen has been drained.
The Vlotho campsite lake in Vlotho-Borlefzen, a EU bathing lake, has reopened for bathing following a ban that was imposed due to the presence of blue-green algae two weeks prior. According to the district health department, the lake is now safe for bathing.
The ban was necessary as the presence of blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, redness, or rashes for bathers. The stagnation of the lake, caused by the low inflow and potentially the low water level of the Weser, may have promoted blue-green algae growth due to high temperatures.
To combat this issue, measures such as using a "mowing boat" to remove blue-green algae from the lake, and aeration pumps to increase the oxygen content were taken. Recent water samples show no excess of limit values, indicating that the blue-green algae has been successfully cleared.
It is important to note that no visible blue-green algae are present in the lake currently. The district health department is responsible for monitoring the water quality of the EU bathing lake in Borlefzen on a monthly basis to ensure the safety of its users.
The EU Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EG) is a regulation that monitors the water quality of bathing lakes in the EU based on their size and number of bathers. The lake in Borlefzen was designated as a "EU bathing lake" according to this directive in 2001.
Despite the previous presence of blue-green algae, the campsite remained open during the closure of the lake for bathing. The reopening of the lake for bathing is a welcome development for the local community and tourists alike, who can now enjoy the refreshing waters of the Vlotho campsite lake in Vlotho-Borlefzen.
