Health warning changes for Lake Rotorua
The health warning issued in December for Lake Rotorua has now been lifted by the local Medical Officer of Health.
Visual observations and satellite imagery provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirm that the algal blooms in this area have subsided.
Despite the lifting of the warning, the public should always be cautious for signs of algal blooms if using lakes.
“Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as well as animals. If the water looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or has green or brown particles suspended in it then it is best to avoid contact with it,” says Dr Lynne Lane, Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.
“It is important to look before you leap. If in doubt, it is best to avoid contact with the water and swim or play somewhere else,” says Dr Lane.
Okawa Bay and Okere Arm
A health warning has been lifted for Okawa Bay at the western end of Lake Rotoiti, based on water test results and visual observations provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council which indicate the algal bloom in this area of the lake has cleared.
The warning for Lake Rotoiti at the Okere Arm remains in place.
“People should avoid any activity which results in contact with the water in the Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti,” says Dr Lane.
Contact with water affected by blooms of blue-green algae can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in some individuals and can also cause skin rashes, stomach upsets and in some cases, neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Signage is erected at sites along the shore of the bay advising potential lake users about algal blooms.
Dr Lane advises the public to keep an eye out for signs of algal blooms if using lakes in our region.
Warning issued for Holdens Bay
A health warning has been issued for Holdens Bay at Lake Rotorua.
This is based on the results released today for levels of cyanobacteria in water samples, visual assessments and satellite imagery provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
“The bloom at Holdens Bay at Lake Rotorua is likely to be of blue-green algae which can be toxic and so it is important to avoid any activity which results in contact with the lake water,” says Dr Lane.
“Algal mats and scum may also accumulate along the shoreline of the lake and so it’s especially important that parents ensure that children avoid contact with these as they may be toxic,” says Dr Lane.
Dogs are particularly at risk and should also be kept away from the shoreline. Elsewhere in New Zealand there have been reported deaths of dogs that have eaten algae on shorelines.
Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:
- Phone: 0800 221 555
- Website: www.toiteora.govt.nz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/toiteora
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/toiteora
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/toiteora
- Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/news