Prague hygiene officials ban swimming at Šeberák pond

Hygiene officials in Prague have issued a strict ban on swimming at the Šeberák pond in Kunratice due to a massive presence of cyanobacteria. The Prague Hygiene Station (HSHMP) warned that the water poses acute health risks, including potential skin rashes, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal issues if swallowed.

While the ban at the Džbán reservoir in Prague 6 has been lifted after a month, officials still advise against swimming there due to high cyanobacteria levels. A similar situation exists at the Motol swimming area, where swimming is not officially banned but strongly discouraged.

Hygiene officials have also collected samples from Hostivař, Lake Lipence, and the Vltava river at Branická beach. While these locations showed decreased water transparency, they did not present immediate health risks. The station continues to monitor water quality for bacteria such as Escherichia coli and enterococci, as well as cyanobacteria, using a five-tier assessment scale.