MEDIA RELEASE
16 April 2010
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
For further information or comment:
Dr Neil de Wet
Medical Officer of Health
Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service
Phone: 07 577 3791
Matt Bloxham
Freshwater Ecologist
Environment Bay of Plenty
Phone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267)
Toi Te Ora - Public Health provides health protection and promotion programmes aimed at
supporting groups and communities to improve and sustain health.
We serve the greater Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts.