Warnings:

Warning: Possible blue-green algae blooms!

In the Dechsendorfer Weiher, blue-green algae may appear in certain areas. Depending on wind direction, clusters of varying sizes may form.

The situation is monitored and checked daily. If necessary, immediate action will be taken on-site, and signs will be posted to inform the public. Depending on the extent and concentration of the blue-green algae, a swimming ban may be issued.

Blue-green algae can cause illness (vomiting, diarrhea, and poisoning) if present in large quantities (high concentrations) or if the water is swallowed. Skin irritation and allergic reactions may occur upon skin contact.

The amount of blue-green algae in the water can vary from one location to another and change within a short period of time. Depending on the wind direction, blue-green algae may occur more densely—that is, in larger quantities—near the shore, usually temporarily. This is recognizable by the cloudiness and the greenish streaks and clumps.

These areas should be avoided, especially by children, who may unintentionally swallow large amounts of water (e.g., while playing).

Caution! Oak processionary moth!

The oak processionary moth has been observed with increasing frequency in the Dechsendorfer Weiher recreational area. The oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea L.) is found on English oak, sessile oak, and American red oak. It tends to proliferate in large numbers, especially during dry years, preferring open oak forests, forest edges, and isolated trees in warm, dry regions or years. The caterpillars live in nests woven from leaves and twigs. In the evening, they march in long lines up into the tree crowns to feed. The caterpillars’ toxic hairs can trigger allergic reactions. Experts therefore advise against touching the caterpillars or their webs and recommend keeping children away in particular.

Precautions

- Always avoid infested areas

- Do not touch the caterpillars or their webs

- Change clothes immediately and take a shower, washing your hair thoroughly, after coming into contact with caterpillar hairs

Due to the health risks and the specialized techniques required, control measures should only be carried out by professionals.

No Barbecues! Forest Fire Danger!

Barbecuing is currently prohibited at and around the Dechsendorfer Weiher due to an increased risk of wildfire. We appreciate your understanding.

Dechsendorfer Weiher

Sunny lawns invite you to relax; those who enjoy exercise can go jogging along the circular hiking trail around the lake. Surfers and sailors will also find plenty to enjoy; two sailing clubs and a windsurfing club are located right on Dechsendorfer Weiher. Even in fall and winter, a walk through this recreational area is well worth it. There’s a toboggan run nearby in the winter.

Food and drinks are available at a kiosk to the south, a kiosk to the east, and nearby restaurants.

General Information about Dechsendorfer Weiher

• Location: Dechsendorfer Weiher is located in the northwest of the city of Erlangen
• Water area: 37 ha
• Shore length: approx. 3.8 km
• Lifeguard service: Lifeguards are generally on duty only on Saturdays,
  Sundays, and on holidays between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Lifeguard supervision is indicated by flag signals. Otherwise, swimming is at your own risk.
• Parking spaces: approx. 200
• Kiosks/restaurants: 2 kiosks, restaurants
• Changing rooms: yes
• Restrooms: yes
• Showers: yes
• Barbecue areas: yes

Current EU classification of bathing water qualityfor the Dechsendorfer Weiher

Note: Blue-green algae contamination is not taken into account in this classification!

EU classification of bathing water quality

A classification in accordance with the EU Bathing Water Directive is determined by performing a specific compliance calculation. All measurement data from the past four years are used for this purpose. For newly registered EU bathing sites or those re-approved following remediation measures, a calculation may also be performed for a period of less than four years; however, at least sixteen samples must be available.

Notable Incidents During the Bathing Season

The health department’s monitoring of the bathing site is also intended to protect you from the effects of events that could impair bathing water quality and the health of bathers. You will be informed of such events here, and in addition to the remedial measures to be taken by the authorities, a temporary bathing ban may also be issued for your protection.

A bathing ban is issued if

- based on the results of the on-site inspection, fecal contamination of the bathing water is expected, provided that this poses a health risk to swimmers,

- during bathing water monitoring, a single value of more than 1,800 CFU/100 ml is detected for Escherichia coli and/or a single value of more than 700 CFU/100 ml is detected, and a follow-up test conducted immediately confirms that the values specified above have been exceeded, or

- algae are present in a concentration likely to endanger the health of swimmers.

The bathing ban is announced on-site and by means of clearly visible signs or markings at the bathing area.

A bathing ban is lifted when there is no longer any risk to health. A swimming ban based on individual values exceeding the limits for enterococci or Escherichia coli may be lifted if tests conducted on two consecutive days show that the individual values are once again within the acceptable range.

The swimming season at Dechsendorfer Weiher begins on May 15 and ends on September 15.