Swimming water

From May 1 to October 1, we monitor the water quality of the swimming lakes in our working area. The water board manages 17 official swimming locations.

Swim safely

We advise you to only swim in areas designated as official swimming locations. The water at these locations is regularly checked for bacteria.  

  • Before you go swimming, checkwww.zwemwater.nl
  • Here you can see whether the water at the official locations is clean enough for swimming. 

Swimming Water App

Download the Zwemwater app with more than 800 outdoor swimming locations.

Children swimming in Piccardthof Lake

Tips for swimming in open water

  • Take a shower immediately after swimming.
  • Do not swim in areas where boats are operating.
  • Do not swim near a dredger. This is a ship that sucks sand from the bottom.
  • Do not swim near a sewage treatment plant.
  • Do not swim in murky water.
  • Do not dive in shallow water.
  • Beware of cold currents.

Feeling sick after swimming

Are you feeling unwell after swimming in open water? If so, please consult your doctor or the local health authority.

  • Do you think the water at a swimming spot is dirty? Or have you fallen ill because of the swimming water? If so, please contact the water board.
  • Do you think the accommodation at a swimming spot is dirty or unsafe? For example, the showers, playground equipment, or trash cans? If so, report this to the manager of the swimming spot. If that doesn't work, contact the province where the swimming spot is located.

Official swimming locations

  • Akkerhoeve, Niebert (Province of Groningen)
  • Hoornseplas, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer Oostmahorn (Province of Friesland)
  • Lauwersmeer, Brilduiker beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Bewick's Swan (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Lepelaar beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Meerkoet beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lauwersmeer, Zeearend beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Lettelberterplas, Lettelbert (Province of Groningen)
  • Paterswoldsemeer de Lijte, Haren (Province of Groningen)
  • Kardinge recreational lake, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Reitdiep, Garnwerd (Province of Groningen)
  • Ronostrand, A (Province of Drenthe)
  • Ruskenveen, Groningen (Province of Groningen)
  • Groningen City Beach (Province of Groningen)
  • Strandheem, Opende (Province of Groningen)
  • Suyderoogh, Lauwersoog (Province of Groningen)

Paterswolde membership

The measurement results for the Hoornseplas and Paterswoldsemeer (de Lijte) lakes can be viewed on the website of the

Not an official swimming lake?

Would you like to swim in open water, but it is not an official swimming spot? We do not monitor the water there. This does not mean that you cannot swim there, but it does mean that you run a greater risk of infection from certain bacteria or blue-green algae in the water. We therefore advise against swimming there.

What is blue-green algae?

When it is very warm, blue-green algae can develop. Humans and animals can become ill if they come into contact with it. Before you go swimming, check zwemwater.nl.