Penkuns Castle Lake: Red alarm level due to historically low water level!

Penkuns Castle Lake: Red alarm level due to historically low water level!

Penkun, Deutschland - The Penkuner Schloss-See has reached alarming deep stalls. According to a current report by the Nordkurier, the water level of the popular water is 1.30 meters below the normal stand and thus on a "historical low". City representative Götz Grünberg emphasizes that the water level has not been so low in the past 20 years. This worrying development raises questions about the future of the lake and its surroundings.

The situation on Lake Castle, which is located in the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is particularly striking. Usually the lake has an average depth of 3.70 meters, whereby the maximum depth is even 8.9 meters. At the moment, however, the water level is so flat that boathouse owners can easily row under the exitors without having to open them. While the reed belt on the bank has grown to several meters wide, this is a drastic change for the flora and fauna.

causes of the decline

Essential for understanding the current situation is the view of climatic developments. As the Federal Environment Agency reports, the water levels in northern Germany decrease due to fewer precipitation and higher evaporation. This tendency is not only limited to Lake Castle; Many waters in the region, including lakes in the Müritz and the Dümmer, show similar declines. Especially in 2018 to 2020, many regions suffered from severe water losses, which affected the groundwater levels and the inflows to the lakes.

The castle lake has an area of ​​around 84 hectares and is a naturally created water that houses numerous fish species, including eels, pike and pikeperch. Despite the alarming falling 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 gratifying for bathers.

The effects on the environment

The effects of the falling water level should not be underestimated. Especially with flat lakes such as Lake Castle, the ecological problems are clearly visible. The declines lead to the destruction of brood and spawning areas and favor the concentration of nutrients and pollutants. City representatives are concerned and emphasize that the need for action is urgently given here. It seems as if an external water balance approach has to be used to ensure the valuable resources sustainably and give the ecosystem a chance.

The castle lake remains a popular attraction for nature lovers and swimming, but the coming years could be decisive for its future. The municipalities are required to counteract early on the preservation of past habitat in this beautiful region.