Why isn't there an official test?
The article reports that several swimmers have claimed children who swam in Lake Podpeško experienced digestive issues, and the water has been observed to be dark brown in color, a condition noted last year. Local residents have stopped swimming due to concerns, but without proper water analyses, it cannot be confirmed if these health problems are linked to the lake. The lake holds the status of official bathing water, yet there are no regular analyses conducted this year. Since January, the company JKP Brezovica no longer manages the wastewater treatment plant and associated laboratory, which has resulted in no water tests being performed this year. Last year’s official analyses revealed elevated levels of Escherichia coli bacteria and the presence of intestinal enterococci, indicating fecal contamination. As a result, JKP Brezovica advised against swimming in the lake until further notice. Currently, the water quality status is unknown, and if the municipality wishes to continue monitoring, they would need to commission analyses from another qualified provider.
Thousands of visitors have been swimming in the completely muddy Podpeško Lake despite its severe pollution, according to reports from local media. The lake, located near the town of Brezovica, has long been known for its murky waters and poor water quality, yet it continues to attract swimmers, including many children. Residents have reported that some of their children have experienced digestive issues after swimming in the lake, raising concerns over public health and environmental safety. The situation was recently highlighted by journalists from Dnevnik, who visited the popular Podpeško Lake and described the conditions as uninviting. They noted that the water is visibly brown and poorly transparent, making it difficult to see anything beneath the surface. Despite these conditions, hundreds of people, including numerous children, continue to swim in the lake. Visitors, however, were not provided with information about the water’s composition, as the lake does not hold official status as a designated bathing area. As such, regular monitoring of its microbiological quality during the summer season is not mandated. Residents have shared their concerns with reporters, stating that several children have suffered from digestive problems following swims in the lake. These accounts suggest a growing unease among locals regarding the safety of the water. However, without official analysis, it remains unclear whether the symptoms are directly linked to the lake's condition. The responsibility for water quality monitoring has shifted in recent months. Previously, the company JKP Brezovica conducted routine tests on the lake’s water, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards. However, effective January 2026, the company no longer manages the cleaning facilities and associated laboratory at Podpeč. This change came as part of a broader restructuring, transferring management of the facility and lab to a new contractor. Consequently, JKP Brezovica is no longer conducting water analyses, nor can they perform them, according to their statement. As of now, there has been no official water analysis carried out this year. The last publicly available results date back to August 2025, when samples were taken by both the Environmental Agency (Arso) and JKP Brezovica. One sample showed slightly elevated levels of the bacterium Escherichia coli, while another detected the presence of intestinal enterococci, both indicators of fecal contamination. These findings prompted JKP Brezovica to advise swimmers to avoid the lake temporarily. Yet, as of late August 2026, no further action has been taken, and the current state of the water remains unknown. Local authorities have not yet announced plans to conduct new analyses, leaving the public in uncertainty. While the lake is not officially classified as a bathing site, its popularity among residents and tourists persists. Without regular testing, the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria remains unaddressed, potentially leading to continued health concerns. The lack of transparency and consistent oversight raises questions about how effectively local governance is managing public spaces that are used for recreation. For now, the situation remains unresolved. The community continues to rely on anecdotal reports rather than scientific data, creating a gap between public perception and official knowledge. Until new testing is initiated, the safety of those using the lake remains uncertain, highlighting the need for greater accountability and proactive measures to protect public health.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
