In Vienna-Hirschstetten

“Polluted” bathing pond unsettles local residents

What is that in the water, ask residents in Hirschstetten.(Bild: zVg)

Despite the heat, a "Krone" reader preferred to stay dry for fear of poisoned water. However, the City of Vienna's water authority has given the all-clear. 

These days, anyone who has a watering hole on their doorstep can count themselves lucky. But that is of little use to "Krone" reader Josef T. When he went swimming in the Hirschstetten bathing pond for the first time two days ago, he made an unpleasant discovery.

"I didn't dare go in"
The bank was very dirty. "The water was in such a terrible state that I didn't dare go in," says T. Although it was over 30 degrees, he decided to sweat rather than expose himself to danger. But what was wrong with the water?

Water authority gives the all-clear
The "Krone" asked the water authority: "During an inspection, no foaming or other contamination could be detected on the aforementioned section of the Hirschstetten bathing pond. The dirt may have already dissolved. It will continue to be checked." In any case, the all-clear has been given for bathing beauties: jumping into the cool water is completely safe.

Waters in far more southerly climes recently made the headlines. Muddy water in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia had spoiled the bathing fun for many vacationers. Introduced algae had turned the sea there into a brown soup.