Schwarzsee water quality declared excellent after algae measures

The water at Schwarzsee lake in Kitzbühel is currently of very good quality after measures to combat toxic blue-green algae, ORF reported, citing the city of Kitzbühel.

The lake was closed to swimmers last year after blue-green algae were detected. Measures included adding drinking water, mowing algae and installing a deep drainage pipe to remove oxygen-poor water from the lower layers of the lake, which is up to seven metres deep.

This year, the water was suitable for swimming. Samples taken and analysed by AGES Innsbruck at the end of August showed no problems with either bacterial contamination or blue-green algae.

Levels of toxins produced by blue-green algae were below the detection limit and therefore also below the values recommended by the World Health Organization. The city said the final summer days could therefore be used for swimming without concern.