Health warning issued for Lake Rotorua, Ohau

Health warning issued for Lake Rotorua, Ohau Channel and the Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti.

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

“Particularly high levels have been found in Holdens Bay, Lake Rotorua, which is a popular swimming spot” says Dr de Wet.

“Monitoring results have also indicated low levels of blue-green algae in the Kaituna River, including Trout Pool. Although monitoring results for the Kaituna River have not yet been high enough to warrant a health warning, caution should be used. In the right conditions algal blooms could develop rapidly, so before any contact with lake or river water, it is important to ‘look before you leap’ and make your own judgement of the water – if in doubt stay out” says Dr de Wet.

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.

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

ENDS

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