Media Release
20 April 2009

Health warning extended for Lake Rotorua

The current health warning for Lake Rotorua has been extended to cover all of Lake Rotorua, the Ohau Channel, Okere Arm and the full length of the Kaituna River.

Routine water test results provided by Environment Bay of Plenty have confirmed a bloom of potentially toxic algae (also known as blue-green algae and cyanobacteria).

“The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, 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 also damage to the nervous system.”

This bloom has spread from Lake Rotorua through to Okere Arm and into the Kaituna River.

“Those mostly affected are regular recreational water enthusiasts at Okere Falls and down the Kaituna River, including those rafting and kayaking,” says Dr Shoemack.

Regular sampling of the lake, channel and river areas will continue and updates will be provided as further test results become available.

“This bloom could disappear as quickly as it developed or it could persist for months, so people should listen to the warning at all times,” says Dr Shoemack.

ENDS

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