News

13.12.2007 - Health Warning: Lake Rotoiti (Western Bays) and the Kaituna River

Routine water monitoring has this week identified potentially harmful levels of algal blooms of cyanobacteria in the western bays of Lake Rotoiti, affecting Te Weta Bay, Okere Arm and Okawa Bay, and in the Kaituna River at the Trout Pool/Okere Falls and Maungarangi Road.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jim Miller, has issued a health warning for western Lake Rotoiti and the whole of the Kaituna River. Signs are being erected to warn people not to use the area for swimming or recreational activities that involve significant contact with water.

At present, the eastern area of Lake Rotoiti is not showing high levels, but blooms can quickly spread from one bay to another within a lake so users must be cautious at all times. People are advised not to enter the water if it looks discoloured, there is a scum on the surface, or if the water smells unusual.

In the Kaituna River, although high levels have only been identified as far as Maungaranui Rd, similar caution should be exercised further downstream from this area.

Exposure to cyanobacteria (the micro-organism that causes the bloom) and its toxins can cause severe skin rashes, stomach upset, and can spark hayfever and asthma attacks. Anyone suffering illness after contact with Western Lake Rotoiti and Kaituna River should seek medical assistance.

Environment Bay of Plenty, Rotorua District Council, and Toi Te Ora – Public Health will be monitoring the situation. Toi Te Ora - Public Health will update the public when results from further tests are available.


For further information or comment:

Toi Te Ora - Public Health
Medical Officer of Health
Dr Jim Miller
07 577 3789
MoH Pager 026 360 40111



 

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