Health warning removed for cyanobacteria bloom at Lake Pegasus

The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its cyanobacteria bloom health warning issued for Lake Pegasus.

Recent water testing at Lake Pegasus has shown the quantity of potentially toxic cyanobacteria in the lake has decreased and concentrations are now below the levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says ”the lake is monitored weekly over the summer months only. Visual inspections will recommence again in November when the occurrence of the cyanobacteria blooms is more likely to occur due to the warmer weather conditions.”

Facts about cyanobacteria:

• The cyanobacteria occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
• If the water is cloudy, discoloured or has small globules suspended in it, avoid all contact.
• Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible to the naked eye and toxins can persist after the blooms disappear.
• Cyanobacterial concentrations can change quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind). If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
• If a warning is in place, people and animals should not drink the water from the lake at any time, even boiled water.
• Exposure to a cyanobacteria bloom can cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let your doctor know if you have had contact with lake water when there is a health warning in place.

For further information visit
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/swimming-water-quality/
Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.

For more information on Mahinga kai:
Mahinga Kai

ENDS

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