The bacterial contamination of the Elbe is being examined on two popular beaches in the area of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The investigation is based on the specifications of the European Union that apply to designated bathing waters.
But there are no bathing areas in the Hamburg area of the Elbe that are designated as such according to the EC Bathing Water Directive. The Elbe does not meet the European Union's requirements for bathing water. The Elbe is also unsuitable for swimming for safety reasons.
