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At Hüttwilersee, toxic substances are formed under unfavorable conditions. Aquatic biologist Margie Koster explains what this phenomenon is all about, which can be especially dangerous for dogs.
Algae residues are found on the banks of the Hüttwilersee.
Thanks to the coincidence, the blue-green algae blooms in Lake Hüttwil were only discovered in the first place. Because bathers no longer line up on its shores in this weather. Time to cool off is over, the pool is now closed.
Employees of the Office for the Environment (AfU) accidentally discovered accumulations of so-called cyanobacteria on the banks of the Badi Hüttwilen last week. What is harmless to humans can have dire consequences for dogs. “Dogs don’t look like what they’re drinking,” says Margie Koster, a water biologist responsible for water quality and use at the AfU.
The size of the waters plays a subordinate role
AfU employees immediately contacted the community about the kelp mats, which in turn put up warning signs.
The information letter of the Office of the Environment for the population.
If dogs drink poisoned water, it can be fatal. “At worst, vomiting or even damage to the liver and nerves occurs,” says Koster. Blue-green algae blooms in Lake Hüttwil are not a completely new phenomenon. Since they may have been introduced by waterfowl years ago, these specific blue-green algae of the genus Lyngbya have been growing in local waters year after year, but especially in the warm late summer. “It is a natural phenomenon,” says Koster.
Margie Koster, a water biologist with the Office of the Environment.
The last time blue-green algae appeared in Lake Hüttwil was in 2013 and 2014. The size of the lake does not influence the formation of toxins from blue-green algae, says Koster. This is also demonstrated by the isolated incidents on Lake Constance in recent years.
Rather, the danger of toxins from blue algae has to do with perfect weather conditions. As soon as the water cools down due to the drop in temperatures, the algae die, accumulate on the surface of the water and begin to ferment. The biologist says:
“When the wind pushes the algae onto the bank and they get caught in devices like the trampoline, a mat forms.”
Toxins can be released very locally. “Outside of the algal biomass, however, the water is still pristine and harmless.”
Swimmers can stay safe
The clamor was great this summer. At Lake Neuchâtel, authorities briefly issued a bathing ban after six dogs died of cyanobacterial poisoning. Margie Koster relativizes with knowledge of a previous incident in Switzerland. At the time it was made public that three dogs allegedly died as a result of toxic bacteria from blue-green algae. “That was later found to be untrue,” says Koster.
It is scientifically proven that cyanobacteria can be deadly to animals. Therefore, they should not be underestimated. But Koster also attaches great importance to saying that there is no danger to humans. At Hüttwilersee, swimming is still possible, but currently only for the toughest.
