Overview

• Local authorities in Waldeck-Frankenberg confirmed on August 14 that routine testing detected elevated cyanobacteria levels at Strandbad Rehbach in Edersee, triggering a do-not-bather advisory.
• Officials warned that the cyanobacteria can release toxins causing skin irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms and respiratory issues, with children and pets at heightened risk.
• Hessian state environmental scientists from HLNUG have imposed bathing bans or advisories on several other lakes, including Aartalsee, Hattsteinweiher and Schultheis-Weiher.
• In Bavaria’s Fränkisches Seenland, blooms at Brombachsee and Altmühlsee have led to temporary closures, suspended water-sports operations and tourism losses in the multi-million euro range.
• Authorities attribute the intensified and recurring outbreaks to warmer weather and nutrient-rich sediments and say they will continue site-specific monitoring under EU bathing-water rules.