Pramet reopens bathing lake after blue-green algae ban

Authorities have lifted a bathing ban at the lake in Pramet in the Ried district after new water tests found that blue-green algae levels had fallen, ORF Upper Austria reported Thursday.

The ban was imposed at the beginning of the week after water analyses detected elevated concentrations of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. The municipality put up warning signs at the lake entrances because the algae can cause health problems if people or animals come into contact with them or swallow them.

Further water samples were collected and analysed during the closure. Mayor Eduard Seibl of the Austrian People’s Party confirmed to ORF Upper Austria on Thursday afternoon that the lake had been cleared for bathing again.

The municipality also announced the reopening on its website, writing: “Swimming is possible again. We wish you a pleasant stay and lots of enjoyment at the bathing lake.”

According to the municipality, persistently high temperatures and low water inflow contributed to the increased algae levels.