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29th of January 2010
29.1.2010 - HEALTH WARNING: Potentially toxic algae remains in Lake Rotoehu
Routine water quality monitoring conducted by Environment Bay of Plenty has confirmed the remaining presence of potentially harmful levels of blue-green algae in Lake Rotoehu. Therefore the health warning issued by Toi Te Ora -Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack remains in place.
People are advised that contact with the water in Lake Rotoehu may be hazardous. Any recreational activity such as swimming which is likely to involve significant contact with, or swallowing of, the water could result in health problems. Toxic algae can trigger asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as causing skin rashes, tummy upsets, and even neurological effects such as tingling round the mouth, headaches, general breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Algae often multiply to excessive levels during periods of warm, dry, sunny weather when lake and rivers levels are low
“At this stage it is only Lake Rotoehu which is affected although some of the other lakes in the Rotorua District and rivers in the Eastern Bay are also showing early signs of algal growth”, says Dr Shoemack.
As a similar problem could occur in other lakes and rivers at any time, Dr Shoemack advises people to make their own visual assessment of the water and avoid diving in if lake water is discoloured or smelly or if black and brown algal mats are found covering large areas of a river bed. People should also avoid swimming in or drinking water that has a strange musty smell.
“Look before you leap” he says. “The toxic algae that form the mats can release toxins that are potentially harmful to people and animals” says Dr Shoemack.
Ongoing monitoring will occur on a weekly basis and updates will be issued accordingly.
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