After heavy rain

Lake Constance could be contaminated with germs

Lake Constance is currently heavily polluted in some places.(Bild: Shourot Maurice)

The torrential rainfall of the past few days has washed vast amounts of dirt, nutrients and other materials into Lake Constance, and other bodies of water are also visibly contaminated. Caution is therefore advised when bathing. 

In the area of the municipalities of Lochau and Hörbranz in particular, Leiblach and Ruggbach have washed vast quantities of earth material into the lake - which may not look pretty, but is generally harmless.

Much more dangerous are the substances that have been washed into the lake from the partly overloaded sewer system - increased bacterial contamination is currently possible along the entire Vorarlberg shore. The state's environmental institute has already taken water samples to determine the bathing quality at the Lake Constance bathing spots, and the results are expected next week. 

In any case, it is currently advisable to exercise caution when bathing - cloudy spots are best avoided. However, there is no need to panic: experience has shown that the weather-related pollution caused by the sun's rays quickly subsides.