Lac De La Plaine

France Lake 4 - Poor

Lake Plaine is an artificial reservoir created in 1983 on the Plaine River in the Lorraine region. It serves dual purposes: compensating for water evaporated from the Cattenom nuclear power plant's cooling systems and supporting flows in the Meurthe River. The lake has a supervised bathing area managed by the Syndicat d'Aménagement des Lacs de Pierre-Percée et de la Plaine (SMAL), with lifeguard coverage during summer months. However, the bathing area was closed by prefectural order on 25 June 2020 due to persistent water quality problems classified as insufficient under Directive 2006/7/CE.

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Water

Artificial reservoir created on the Plaine River. Storage capacity exceeds 0.5 million cubic metres. The lake supplies water to the downstream Pierre-Percée reservoir (61 million cubic metres capacity).

Location

Located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, in the catchment area of the Plaine River, upstream of Pierre-Percée Lake. The bathing zone is situated at the Lake Plaine leisure centre managed by SMAL.

Facilities

Lifeguards (2 maîtres-nageurs) present during summer season from 13:00 to 18:30. Base de loisirs (leisure facilities) available.

Season

Lifeguard supervision provided 13:00 to 18:30 during summer season. Bathing area closed as of 25 June 2020 by prefectural order.

Water Quality

Classified as insufficient water quality under Directive 2006/7/CE for many years. Between 2006 and 2010, analysis results showed 14 exceedances of total coliforms (500 CFU/100 mL threshold) and 1 exceedance of 10,000 CFU/100 mL; 18 exceedances of E. coli (100 CFU/100 mL threshold); 7 exceedances of intestinal enterococci (100 CFU/100 mL threshold). Abnormal water colouration was recorded 13 times and poor transparency at 1 occasion. Primary pollution source identified as faulty or absent sewage systems in upstream municipalities, with non-compliant on-site sanitation systems discharging directly into the Plaine.

Risks

Cyanobacteria presence observed. Invasive aquatic plants (elodea) noted. Water quality degraded by bacterial contamination from upstream sources. Sedimentation and desanding of the lake and lagoon identified as problems. Storm water discharge overflows during dry weather periods identified as risk.