In response to a dangerous outbreak of cyanobacteria commonly known as blue algae, the Water Management Authority has banned swimming at Rommwiss beach, Upper Sûre Lake, to protect public health.

The authorities have announced a swimming ban 'with immediate effect' at Rommwiss beach in light of a 'significant proliferation' of cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue algae, in the Upper Sûre Lake.

Swimming is still permitted on the other beaches of the lake as well as in the ponds at Weiswampach, Echternach and Remerschen.

The Water Management Authority, which regularly monitors the state of bathing water, concluded that recent analyses  (on Wednesday, 17 July) revealed the presence of toxic blue algae to be above the acceptable threshold.

Considering some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that can pose a health risk to humans, aquatic fauna, domestic animals and livestock, the Water Management Authority deemed it safest to issue the ban with immediate effect.

Such cyanobacteria can lead to ‘disorders related to contact, ingestion or inhalation of these substances are of variable nature and intensity and may include, for example, headaches, skin irritation and/or burns or nausea’.

If you experience any health problems after swimming, please contact your GP, mentioning possible contact with toxic cyanobacteria.

We also recommend that you:

  • Do not allow dogs or other pets to drink the water;
  • Avoid all contact with the water;
  • Avoid all water activities (e.g. water sports, fishing).

And especially when fishing that you:

  • Avoid contact with fish;
  • Do not eat the fish caught;
  • Refrain from fishing if cyanobacteria blooms are visible. 

Any sighting of cyanobacteria in Luxembourg can be reported via the Bloomin'Algae app and will be assessed by a Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology expert. Equally, all reports can be consulted on cyanowatch.lu.