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- Blue-green algae generally only appear in Lake Zurich in October, when the water is already colder.
- The so-called cyanobacteria have already accumulated in two Zurich communities on the lake.
- The bacterium is also suspected in Moossee, near Bern.
Poisonous blue-green algae appeared in Lake Zurich off Horgen and Wädenswil. “A red carpet of algae was seen on the surface of the lake, which is typical of Burgundy blood algae,” confirms media spokesman Wolfang Bollack from the Zurich building management team to a report by Radio Zürisee.
The fact that such algae appear in Lake Zurich as early as September, that is, while the swimming season is still ongoing, is extraordinary. The algae usually don’t float to the surface until October, when the water has cooled and the lake mixes in, Bollack says.
Keep pets away
The building management media spokesperson advises avoiding blue-green algae. ‘The algae secrete a toxin. One must ensure that pets do not swim in such groups. Horgen and Wädenswil spas have posted warning signs. The Strandbad Wädenswil, for example, advises that young children should not be in the water. According to the two spas, currently the algae are hardly visible.
Blue-green algae have recently appeared not only in the canton of Zurich, but also in other Swiss waters. Six dogs died from blue-green algae poisoning in the canton of Neuchâtel. The canton has closed several beaches.
New suspected case also in Moossee
A dog also died Sunday near Moossee in the canton of Bern. It is not yet clear whether toxic bacteria are to blame. The water and waste office took samples of water from the lake. Michael Glücki, head of the Moosseedorf construction department, confirmed this to SRF News. Results are expected soon.
