Illegal toilet blamed for lake pollution

A popular Geneva lakeside beach at Creux-de-Genthod remains closed five months after swimmers reported seeing toilet paper and waste floating in the water.

Tests revealed levels of faecal bacteria above the WHO guidelines. 

Investigators later traced the pollution to a toilet on a construction site which was illegally flushing directly into the storm water system, discharging directly into the lake.

Officials say there was no lasting environmental impact, but the beach will stay shut until new water samples confirm it is safe to reopen.

More from Bitesize News

  • Twint scam warning

    Switzerland has launched a national campaign to help the public spot online scams that exploit the Twint payment app

  • Water ban in parts of Valais

    Val de Bagnes has banned residents from using the irrigation network to water gardens and lawns, as Valais water reserves fall to critical levels

  • New insurance premium initiative

    Switzerland's Socialist Party is expected to launch signature collection today for an initiative linking health insurance premiums to household income

  • Rail link critical

    The Lausanne-Geneva rail line must be Switzerland's "absolute priority", according to the country's public transport association

  • Income not enough for many households

    Nearly 360,000 Swiss workers already earn too little to support their households, and the imminent health premium announcement threatens to push more families under

  • Speed limit decrease in parts of Lausanne

    Several new streets in central Lausanne will drop to 30 kilometres per hour from 12 October, day and night, according to a letter the city has sent to affected residents

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play