Current swimming conditions at Lake Aasee

The Aasee in Bocholt is currently in good overall ecological condition and, according to the latest measurements, has excellent water quality with no elevated concentrations of blue-green algae. However, the high summer temperatures are currently leading to increased growth of aquatic plants and algae in the shallow areas near the shore, which is affecting the swimming experience and deterring many residents from going for a swim.

Despite these natural constraints, the official bathing area has been open since 1 June and is available for use by the public.

Ongoing laboratory tests carried out by the relevant specialist departments are currently showing consistently normal results, meaning that, from a hygiene perspective, the go-ahead can be given for swimming. Nevertheless, the city council is aware that the increased presence of aquatic plants and algae in general in the area close to the beach is currently noticeably reducing the attraction for bathers. The City of Bocholt expressly regrets this situation, particularly as the bathing beach had previously been restored to a very good visual and functional condition at great expense.

The causes of this phenomenon lie in the nature of the body of water itself. The Aasee was not originally created as a traditional bathing lake, but was primarily constructed as an artificial body of water for flood protection. Due to the relatively shallow depth of the water in the bathing bay, the water heats up very quickly in the persistently high summer temperatures. Combined with a relatively high inflow of nutrients, this creates ideal growing conditions for underwater flora. As this is an open, natural body of water, it is virtually impossible to completely prevent such biological processes.

At the same time, the well-known problems with the seabed and animal waste have been addressed. The soft sediments that had accumulated as a result of previous dredging operations were removed as far as possible by the city's public works department. In addition, municipal staff clean the immediate beach area at regular intervals to minimise pollution caused, amongst other things, by wild geese.

As long as the legally prescribed limit values are complied with, the bathing bay can therefore continue to be used for leisure activities and for swimming.