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Penkun's Castle Lake: Red alert due to historically low water levels!
The Penkuner Schloss Lake reaches historic lows; City officials warn of ecological consequences and water shortages.
Penkun's Castle Lake: Red alert due to historically low water levels!
The Penkuner Schloss Lake has reached alarming lows. According to a current report by Nordkurier, the water level in the popular body of water is 1.30 meters below normal and therefore at a “historic low”. City representative Götz Grünberg emphasizes that the water level has not been this low in the last 20 years. This worrying development raises questions about the future of the lake and its surroundings.
The situation at Schloss-See, which is located in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is particularly striking. Normally the lake has an average depth of 3.70 meters, with a maximum depth of 8.9 meters. However, at the moment the water level is so shallow that boathouse owners can easily row under the exit gates without having to open them. While the reed belt on the bank has grown to be several meters wide, this represents a drastic change for the flora and fauna.
Causes of the decline
Consideration of climatic developments is essential for understanding the current situation. As the Federal Environment Agency reports, water levels in northern Germany are falling due to less precipitation and higher evaporation. This tendency is not just limited to Lake Castle; many bodies of water in the region, including lakes in the Müritz and Dümmer, are showing similar declines. Especially in the years 2018 to 2020, many regions suffered from severe water losses, which affected groundwater levels and inflows to the lakes.
The Schlosssee has an area of around 84 hectares and is a naturally formed body of water that is home to numerous species of fish, including eels, pike and zander. Despite the alarming decline in water levels, the water quality at the bathing area is currently classified as excellent. This is a positive aspect because regular measurements show that the pH value is 8.4, which is pleasing for bathers.
The impact on the environment
The effects of falling water levels should not be underestimated. The ecological problems are particularly visible in shallow lakes such as the Schlosssee. The declines lead to the destruction of breeding and spawning areas and promote the concentration of nutrients and pollutants. City officials are concerned and emphasize that there is an urgent need for action. It seems as if an external water balance approach is needed to sustainably secure valuable resources and give the ecosystem a chance.
The Castle Lake remains a popular attraction for nature lovers and swimmers, but the coming years could be crucial for its future. The communities are called upon to take countermeasures at an early stage in order to ensure the preservation of past habitats in this beautiful region.