Health warning extended to include Kaituna River

3 June 2011

The current health warning for parts of Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti has been extended to include all of the Kaituna River.

The affected areas now include Kaituna River, including the mouth of the river, the eastern side of Lake Rotorua from Holdens Bay to Ohau Channel and the Okere arm portion of Lake Rotoiti.

Routine water test results provided by Bay of Plenty Regional Council have confirmed a bloom of blue-green algae.

“The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water,” says Dr Neil de Wet, Medical Officer of Health. “Blue-green algae have the potential to release toxins which can affect health by aggravating hayfever and asthma, causing skin rashes, and even neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems,” advised Dr de Wet.

“In particular, collections of surface scum should be avoided,” says Dr de Wet.

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

ENDS

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