Whether as a habitat for animals and plants, as a recreational area or as an economic factor – Upper Austria’s lakes are known far beyond the borders. In order to preserve these natural treasures, the state of Upper Austria regularly monitors the condition and water quality of the lakes. The lake report for the period from 2007 to 2020 was presented in Linz yesterday.
“The good news: 70 percent of the examined bodies of water in Upper Austria are in a very good or good ecological condition,” says Sabine Kapfer from the water management department. Research teams are out and about on the lakes five times a year, taking samples from different water depths and examining their physical and chemical composition. “Nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen and algae play an important role in the material cycle in the lakes and can have a major impact on the condition of the water,” says Kapfer.
The condition of Lake Mondsee and Lake Traunsee has been improved through regular checks and the implementation of appropriate measures. “Up until 2015, the Mondsee was in a moderately good condition due to the nutrient conditions and visibility depth. Thanks to better wastewater treatment or agricultural measures, the lake is in good ecological condition again,” says Kapfer. The Traunsee can also circulate fully again after the end of years of soda production.
How Upper Austria’s lakes will develop in the coming years is also a question of global warming. “We will continue to monitor the lakes. The most important thing – especially for the bathers – is a considerate approach,” says Environmental Councilor Stefan Kaineder (Greens).
Source: Nachrichten
