Home » News » Bathing water quality deteriorates rapidly due to warm weather, a lot of blue-green algae expected Inland

Bathing water quality deteriorates rapidly due to warm weather, a lot of blue-green algae expected Inland

Due to the very dry spring, a number of swimming pools are less deep than usual. There is also little current in some streams and canals. At the moment, blue-green algae and botulism are rapidly increasing, according to the LCW. For example, in the Volkerak-Zoommeer on the border of Zeeland and Noord-Brabant, the blue-green algae spreads very quickly. Blue-green algae is a bacteria that forms a floating layer with toxic toxins on the water. Botulism kills birds and fish. People can get sick if they come into contact with animals infected with botulism.

Low water level

The water level in the major rivers is also low, according to the LCW. This is also dangerous for swimmers, because it makes the currents in the rivers stronger. Rijkswaterstaat always advises against swimming in the rivers. The Maas in particular is very low and this will not get better in the coming weeks, given the weather forecast. In order to retain as much water as possible, there is limited artillery on the Maas, which can increase the waiting time for shipping. The water level in the IJsselmeer and Markermeer is slightly higher to have sufficient water supplies. The LCW does not think that the drinking water preparation is endangered, but does advise to handle drinking water wisely.

Groundwater levels in the north and west of the country have improved slightly due to early July rain. However, groundwater is still far too low in the Central, South and East Netherlands. The national rainfall deficit is now at 220 millimeters and that will increase further in the coming weeks. Especially in Zeeland, the Gelderse Rivierengebied and North Limburg, far too little rain has fallen.

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