Health warning lifted for algal bloom at Kahutara River, Kaikoura

The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Kahutara River at SH 1, Peketa, on December 23 2015.

Recent water testing at the Kahutara River has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and concentrations are now below the levels that are of concern to public health.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring program for cyanobacteria in rivers in the Canterbury region has now finished and will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.

Warnings to remain out of the following waterways in the North Canterbury region due to ongoing algal blooms are still in place at:

• Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora
• Lake Pegasus
• Lake Forsyth/Te Wairewa
• Hurunui River at SH 7

The public will be notified when levels of cyanobacteria at the above sites have decreased and are below levels of public health concern.

Facts about Cyanobateria in Rivers:

• Appears as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
• The algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
• It often has a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary over short periods with changing environmental conditions.
• Although high river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
• If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
• Although district or city councils may place warning signs, these may not be seen at the numerous river access points, hence the need for people/ dog-walkers to treat every low-flowing river cautiously.

For further information visit Environment Canterbury’s water monitoring page on its website. Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.

For more information on Mahinga kai:
Gathering Mahinga Kai

ENDS

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