Vienna lifts partial swimming ban at Hirschstetten pond

Vienna has lifted a partial swimming ban at Hirschstetten pond in the Donaustadt district after tests found no elevated bacterial levels, ORF reported, citing MeinBezirk.at.

Swimming had been restricted at the pond’s children’s cove after tests recorded high levels of E. coli and intestinal enterococci. The Department for Vienna Waters blamed the exceedances on an increased presence of waterbirds.

A test conducted last week found that bacterial levels had fallen. The city said an additional sample taken after the bathing season met the limits of 1,000 E. coli and 400 intestinal enterococci per 100 millilitres.

The next measurements are scheduled for May 2027 because the bathing season has ended. Vienna’s water department said it would consider measures for the next season after further investigation into the cause.

The pond was temporarily closed in June over cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. A subsequent check found that the bacteria detected did not pose a health risk.