Swimming ban reinstated at Hirschstetten pond in Vienna
A new swimming ban has been imposed at Teich Hirschstetten in Vienna after water tests found E. coli levels above the permitted limit. The precautionary closure currently affects the children’s swimming area, while further tests are underway.
The affected Kinderbadebucht (children’s swimming bay) is located at the popular natural bathing site in Vienna’s 22nd district, Donaustadt. Authorities have already taken additional water samples, with the results of follow-up testing expected on Monday. Until then, the area will remain closed.
The latest measurements showed an E. coli concentration of more than 2,419 at the children’s bay, resulting in an official classification of “mangelhaft – Badeverbot” (poor – swimming prohibited). The city’s latest data also shows that the eastern shore currently has good water quality.
Other parts of the lake are not currently subject to the same restriction. According to available measurements, the Ostufer (eastern shore) has good water quality, while the southern shore has also recorded relatively low E. coli levels. The current ban therefore applies specifically to the children’s swimming area.
E. coli bacteria can indicate fecal contamination of water and may cause gastrointestinal infections. Possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Authorities are investigating the source of the contamination, with waterfowl such as swans considered a possible contributor.
The renewed closure comes only months after Teich Hirschstetten was affected by a separate Cyanobacterien (cyanobacteria/“blue-green algae”) scare. That earlier incident led to precautionary restrictions before testing found no cyanotoxins and the lake was reopened.