Update: Samples collected from Acacia Bay, further sampling tomorrow – Lake Taupō
Samples have been collected from Acacia Bay for testing for toxin-producing algae species, but weather has hampered
monitoring work at other sites at Lake Taupō today.
Choppy water at five of six sites prevented Waikato Regional Council staff, with the assistance of Taupō District
Council, from collecting viable samples.
However, some of the regional council's environmental monitoring team will base themselves in Taupō tonight to enable
them to carry out further sampling at first light, if the weather is favourable. If not, council staff will collect
samples at the first available opportunity, or on Friday as scheduled, as we understand the urgency of these results to
the Taupō community.
The samples will be tested by NIWA to determine if it poses a risk to humans and animals. NIWA has committed to turning
the results around so the results can be known as soon as possible.
Health warnings issued by the Medical Officer of Health remain in place for Five Mile Bay, Acacia Bay, the main lake
front in Taupō, Whakaipo Bay, Kinloch Beach and Halletts Bay. The algae blooms appear to be largely confined to the
shorelines in the affected areas, however they may shift depending on water flows and wind. People are advised not to
paddle, wade, swim, or participate in any recreational activity that might involve any direct contact with the algae or
swallowing of water in the affected areas.
Signage has been erected by Taupō District Council at the six affected beaches.
Toxic algal species often multiply to high levels during periods of warm, sunny weather. In lakes they can form
extensive green to black-coloured mats that settle on rocks and the lake floor. Significant clumps sometimes break off
and float free, collecting on the water's edge.
On some of the south-eastern beaches there is a bright green lettuce-like algae that is harmless and should be left on
the shoreline, because it’s an important part of the ecology of the lake. On the northern beaches and at Halletts Bay,
algae which washes ashore should also be left untouched.
Meanwhile, other locations have been inspected by Waikato Regional Council over the past five days and there is no
current concern. They are: Two Mile Beach, Whareroa South Beach, Whareroa North Beach, Omori Stream, Omori boat ramp,
Kuratau Beach, Pukawa boat ramp and beach, Waihi Scenic Reserve, Animaria Place at Waitetoko, Waitetoko/Southern Mission
Bay, Mission Bay rest area, Motutere Bay motor camp and boat ramp and Waitahanui.
As toxic algae can occur in other areas of the lake at any time, people are advised to make their own visual assessment
of areas not included in the health warning.
Members of the public who notice algal blooms in other areas can report them to the Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800
401. More information is available by visitingwaikatoregion.govt.nz.
For health advice, people should call the Healthline on 0800 611 116. For advice on drinking water and beach access call
the Taupō District Council on 0800 ASK TDC (0800 275 832).
ENDS