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Four lakes situated in the recultivated area of the Rhenish brown-coal district were examined bacteriologically during a period of one year. Total colony count and the number of Escherichia coli and coliforms were determined and compared with the influence of meteorological factors and human and animal impacts.

The EC guideline of 1976 applies to the examination and assessment of water bodies used for bathing in the Federal Republic of Germany. The main aspect of hygienic assessment is to find out whether the water bodies in question involve the risk of infection from sewage water etc. (microbiological examination for the presence of faecal germs). Chemical parameters are of secondary importance. To obtain comparable results of investigation it will be necessary to elaborate examination methods that go beyond the formulations of the EC guideline and are well defined. Relevant suggestions have been made by an ad hoc working group of the Federal German coastland administrations. A special working team of the Federal Bathing Water committee is also engaged in finding a solution. Besides the examination methods themselves it is also important to pay attention to marginal conditions such as water depth, water renewal or standstill time etc. Of particular relevance are examinations of the site concerned (location, environment conditions etc.) Attention is drawn to the basic differences between assessing surface water from a hygienic and from an ecological point of view.