Ricklinger gravel ponds

The results of the water investigation for reading

The Costa Kiesa: For many years, it has been one of the most popular vacation destinations for residents of Hanover. Three huge swimming ponds offer recreational opportunities for everyone. The most popular is the Dreiecksteich; the Sieben-Meter-Teich is reserved for nudists; and at the Großer Teich, those seeking peace and quiet will find a secluded spot. Along the ponds are large sunbathing areas that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Infrastructure

Water area:
Dreiecksteich: 225,000 square meters

Amenities:
Portable toilets, grassy areas for sunbathing, trees and bushes as far as the eye can see.

Dining:
Kiosk with seating

Interesting facts about lifeguards, watercraft and more

Swim at your own risk

Info profile Ricklinger gravel ponds

Large pond / seven-meter pond / triangular pond

The lake is located in the immediate vicinity of the Leine River, surrounded by large bodies of water, lakeside paths, residential areas, community gardens, and farmland. The Seinebach stream flows into the lake from the south, having passed through Wilkenburg and Hemmingen. Rainwater from the stormwater drainage systems of both towns is discharged into the stream. Two additional stormwater outfalls discharge directly into the lake. When the Leine River experiences high water levels outside the swimming season, this can lead to additional flooding. Many nutrients enter the lake through these channels. These nutrients promote algae growth.

Some types of “blue-green algae” release metabolic byproducts that can cause allergic or toxic health problems in humans and animals.
Mass accumulations of blue-green algae, known as algal blooms, can be recognized by a bluish-greenish cloudiness in the water, ranging from streaks to foam patches or cream-like layers on the water’s surface.

The Ricklinger gravel ponds (Großer Teich, Dreiecksteich, Siebenmeterteich) are located in the southwest of Hanover within the
“Obere Leine” landscape conservation area, as part of the southern Leine floodplain, and are officially open for swimming. There are large sunbathing areas along the ponds. The only source of disturbance in this idyllic setting near the city center is the Südschnellweg, which crosses the area.
Swimming areas at the Großer Teich are located at the Ricklinger Bad, which is part of the Aegir outdoor pool, and on the eastern shore northeast of the Südschnellweg. Swimming is not permitted south of the expressway! Fishing in the lake is conducted by the local fishing club. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk!

The Department of Health, as the responsible authority, conducts regular tests of the bathing water at the swimming area. The first water sample is taken before the start of the season. During the swimming season, from May 15 to September 15, samples are taken once a month. The water is tested for the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci. These results are published here and on the Lower Saxony State Health Office’s bathing water portal, among other places.

If the authorities become aware of the occurrence of mass proliferation of blue-green algae, the water is tested for blue-green algae and, if necessary, an official warning of acute occurrence of blue-green algae is issued. If large quantities of toxic blue-green algae are detected, a bathing ban is issued and published on site and on the internet.