Health Warning for Lake Rotorua
Rotorua and Taupō
A health warning has been issued today for all of Lake Rotorua, including the Ohau Channel, advising people to avoid recreational water activity due to a significant rise in cyanobacteria concentration.
Cyanobacteria bacteria is the blue green algae bloom visible in the water.
Routine water monitoring results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have detected high levels of cyanobacteria.
“The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in contact with the lake water in any shape or form,” says Dr Greg Evans, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service Bay of Plenty/Lakes.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hay fever symptoms in some individuals, as well as skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Warning signs will be erected at Lake Rotorua advising potential lake users about the algal bloom. Monitoring will continue and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly.
“If people do come into contact with water at lakes with health warnings or where there are visible changes in water colour, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if you do not have symptoms,” adds Dr Evans.
“If you feel unwell after coming in contact with the lake you should seek health advice from your doctor or by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116.”
Parents are advised to keep an eye on children near the water as these algal bloom scums can form at the edge of the lake and children will sometimes play with them.
Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water or eating algal bloom scum as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria and could become seriously ill.
To check if recreational water spots near you are safe for swimming and playing in visit https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/bay-of-plenty-regionexternal link. Information is also available from Toi Moana | Bay of Plenty Regional Council: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/external link