In a northern Germany lake, approximately 500 fish have fallen victim to swimmers urinating in the water, as their urine is sparking algae growth that poisons aquatic life.
The mass die-off has taken place over the last two weeks at Eichbaum lake, located in the port city of Hamburg.
According to fishermen’s spokesman Manfred Siedler, “Swimmers who urinate in the lake are introducing a lot of phosphate.” He estimated that each swimmer contributes about half a liter of urine daily.
Efforts to combat the phosphate issue – with an estimated expenditure of $667,000 – have proven ineffective, intensifying the conflict between swimmers and fishermen in the area.
As a consequence, swimmers have been prohibited from using the lake until the algae problem is resolved.
However, for those looking to relieve themselves in lakes, there is some good news…there has been no indication regarding fecal matters in the lake…so apparently, that’s still permitted.
