MEDIA RELEASE
Health warning issued for Lake Rotoehu
A health warning has been issued for Lake Rotoehu as routine monitoring results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional
Council have confirmed a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
“The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the lake
water,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as skin rashes,
stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing
difficulties and visual problems.
Signage will be erected at Lake Rotoehu advising potential lake users about the algal bloom. Monitoring will continue
and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly. The public can obtain up-to-date information on this health
warning and others for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts through these channels:
Phone: 0800 221 555
Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ttophs
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs
Email alerts for subscribers: www.ttophs.govt.nz/alert
ENDS