Algal bloom warning in BOP

File Image/SunLive.

A health warning has been issued today for Ohau Channel, the channel that links Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua.

Routine water test results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council 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 contact with the water in the channel,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.

Contact with water affected by blooms of blue-green algae can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in some individuals. Contact with the blue-green algae 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 will be erected at the Ohau Channel advising potential channel users about the algal bloom.

As we head into summer, Dr Shoemack advises the public to keep an eye out for signs of algal blooms if using lakes in our region. '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 floating in it then it is best to avoid contact with it.”

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

More information: www.toiteora.govt.nz/public/recreational-water

Facebook: www.facebook.com/toiteora

Twitter: www.twitter.com/toiteora

Instagram: www.instagram.com/toiteora

Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/news/

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1 comment

Its everywhere

Posted on 20-11-2021 21:03 | By Get our roads

Every Summer algae bloom rears its ugly head all around BOP, LAKES Districts, why, what is the Regional Council doing about it except being on exorbitant salaries to tell us the same thing year after year with no drop in findings, do they just find pollution and report it then move on to find more, the amount of money they get for salaries far out weighs the amount of prosecution money collected to cover most of their salary bills that tax payers fork out every year. Bunch of paper pushers and so called scientists to tell us our water is crap. Do something about it, prosecute people, businesses, what's your problem. Get your ACT together you high paid BEAURACRATS. Stop pushing paper around and take ACTION NOW, it's already tooooooo late.


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