Health warning issued for Lake Rotorua

Health warning issued for Lake Rotorua

A health warning has been issued for Lake Rotorua today as routine water test results provided by Environment Bay of Plenty have confirmed blooms of blue-green algae which are potentially toxic. “The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water”, according to Dr Neil de Wet, Medical Officer of Health, Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service.

Environment of Bay of Plenty have been monitoring Lake Rotorua closely since a health advisory was issued in early February this year. “Further high levels of blue-green algae, particularly in Ngongotaha, Holdens Bay, and the lake front area of the city, have been confirmed therefore a health warning for the entire lake has been issued” says Dr de Wet.

“Monitoring results have also indicated low levels of blue-green algae in the Ohau channel, Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti and the Trout Pool on the Kaituna River. Although monitoring results have not yet been high enough to warrant a health warning at these other sites, these areas should be treated with caution” says Dr de Wet. “In the right conditions algal blooms could develop rapidly, so wherever you are swimming this summer it is important to ‘look before you leap’ and make your own judgement of the water – if in doubt stay out.”

People should avoid water which is discoloured or where there is surface scum or scum on the shoreline. Also avoid swimming in or drinking water that has a strange musty smell. Pets should also be kept away from areas where blooms are present.

Contact with algal blooms can trigger asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as causing skin rashes, tummy upsets, and even neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

Regular sampling of the lakes and rivers will continue and updates will be provided as further laboratory results become available.

The current health warning for Lake Rotoehu also remains in place.

For further information visit www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz or call 0800 221 555.

ENDS

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