As part of the regular monitoring of bathing water quality, a significant proliferation of cyanobacteria, commonly known as ‘blue algae’, has been observed in the Lac de la Haute-Sûre at Rommwiss and Burfelt beaches.
In view of the health risks, a bathing ban has been imposed with immediate effect at Rommwiss and Burfelt beaches in accordance with the amended Grand Ducal regulation of 19 May 2009 determining special protection measures and programmes for monitoring the condition of bathing water.
Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that can pose a health risk to humans, aquatic fauna, domestic animals and livestock. As a result, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has been commissioned to monitor the proliferation of cyanobacteria in official bathing areas. Analyses carried out today revealed the presence of toxic cyanobacteria and toxins above the action threshold in the Rommwiss and Burfelt beaches (see the national cyanobacteria alert plan).
Problems associated with contact, ingestion or inhalation of these substances vary in nature and intensity, and may include headaches, skin irritation and/or burns, or nausea. If you experience any health problems after swimming, please contact your GP, mentioning any possible contact with toxic cyanobacteria.
For lakes where a significant proliferation of cyanobacteria has been observed, the Water management agency, on the basis of the Health Department's assessment, also recommends the following to the public:
- Do not allow dogs or other pets to drink the water;
- Avoid all contact with the water;
- Avoid all water activities (e.g. water sports, fishing).
And especially when fishing:
- Avoid contact with fish;
- Do not eat the fish caught;
- Refrain from fishing if cyanobacteria blooms are visible.
Any sighting of blue-green algae in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg can be reported via the Bloomin'Algae app and will be assessed by a LIST expert. All reports can be viewed on cyanowatch.lu.
For the time being, swimming is still permitted on the other beaches of Lac de la Haute-Sûre namely Liefrange, Fuussefeld, Insenborn and Lultzhausen. In this context, the Water management agency would like to remind the public that, in accordance with the provisions of the amended Grand Ducal regulation of 19 May 2009, the bathing season will end on 30 September 2024.
It should be emphasised that there is no risk associated with drinking water from the Lac de la Haute-Sûre, as the raw water is taken from the depths (25m) of the dam at Esch-sur-Sûre, where the concentration of cyanobacteria is very low, and the treatment system in place effectively eliminates the toxins produced by the cyanobacteria.
The current situation regarding the opening and closing of official bathing sites can be followed on the website of the Water management agency: www.waasser.lu.
Press release by the Water management agency