Swimming bans due to blue-green algae nearly doubled compared to last year

This summer, 62 swimming bans have already been issued in Flanders at 49 different swimming locations. This marks nearly a doubling compared to the same period last year, when there were 33 bans, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.

The increase in the number of swimming bans is mainly attributed to the presence of blue-green algae, which negatively affects water quality this summer. This situation has led to dissatisfaction among swimmers who want to use open water.

The city of Ghent has decided not to open three swimming zones due to the current water quality problems. This indicates that the situation is becoming more serious and that a new normal may be on the horizon if water quality does not improve.

According to De Standaard, the situation is worrying and there is an urgent need for improvements in water quality to ensure public access to swimming water is safe.

The Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) has confirmed the situation with data supporting the increase in swimming bans. It is warned that if rapid improvements do not occur, the current trend may continue. Restrictions for swimmers are already a reality.