Kvie Sø

Denmark Lake 1 - Excellent

Kvie Sø is a shallow lake located in the northeastern part of Varde Municipality, approximately 2 kilometres northeast of Ansager. The lake covers approximately 30 hectares with a maximum depth of 2.6 metres. It originated as an oligotrophic heathland lake and is protected since 1946 as a site of special scientific interest due to its rare submerged vegetation. Swimming is restricted to a designated area in the northern end of the lake to protect the vulnerable underwater plant life.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Write a review

Photos

Upload a photo

Water

Shallow oligotrophic lake covering approximately 30 hectares with a maximum depth of 2.6 metres. The lake has rare submerged vegetation and a sandy bottom in the designated bathing area. Water exchange is slow, varying from two to several years, as the lake receives water only from surface runoff and groundwater from a catchment area of approximately 27 hectares. Discharge occurs primarily in winter.

Location

Kvie Sø is located in northeastern Varde Municipality, approximately 2 kilometres northeast of Ansager. A public car park is available on Kvie Søvej, approximately 70 metres northwest of the bathing area, with access to the beach via a footpath. Public toilets are located between the car park and the bathing area.

Facilities

Public car park on Kvie Søvej. Public toilets located between the car park and the bathing area.

Season

Bathing season monitoring occurs annually. In 2023, increased monitoring with 20 samples per season was implemented. Monitoring continues with weekly samples from 6 control stations during the 2024 bathing season.

Water Quality

Kvie Sø is expected to receive a Good water quality classification. Water quality is classified based on testing for E. coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria. Annual classifications: 2023 Good (provisional), 2022 Satisfactory, 2021 Satisfactory, 2020 Poor. All bathing water samples in the 2023 season showed low values. In the 2022 season, 2 out of 20 samples showed high values and bathing was advised against from 1–8 July 2022. Monitoring has been increased to 20 samples per bathing season, double the normal frequency.

Risks

Periodic elevated E. coli values have been measured historically, but the source has not been identified despite extensive investigation including source tracking, thermal camera surveys, sewage pipe inspections, and monitoring of overflow devices. High E. coli values were measured during winter 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. Risk of cyanobacteria blooms, particularly during warm weather, due to previous blooms in recent years and elevated nutrient levels measured by environmental authorities. Dogs must be kept on a lead. Bathing and water activities are advised against during visible algal blooms or water discoloration.