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Algal Bloom in Waipara River at Teviotdale Bridge
DATE: December 22,
2011
SUBJECT: Health
Warning – Algal Bloom in Waipara River at Teviotdale
Bridge
The Community and Public Health
division of the Canterbury District Health Board have issued
a health warning after potentially toxic algae (benthic
cyanobacteria) were found in the Waipara River at the
Teviotdale Bridge.
People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid the Waipara River at Teviotdale Bridge until the health warning has been lifted.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says the algal mats can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips,” Dr Humphrey says.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.”
No one should drink the water from the river at any time, Dr Humphrey says.
“Boiling the water from the river does not remove the toxin. However, reticulated town water supplies are currently safe,” he says.
Animals should be taken to a vet immediately if they come into contact with the contaminated rivers.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality.
Facts about
cyanobacteria:
• Appear as dark brown/black
mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
• The algae
occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer
months.
• It often has a strong musty smell and algal
toxin concentrations can vary over short periods with
changing environmental conditions.
• Although high
river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can
accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure
to toxins.
• If a health warning is in place avoid
contact with the water.
• Although district or city
councils may place warning signs, these may not be seen at
the numerous river access points, hence the need to treat
every low-flowing river cautiously.
•
For further
information visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/river-warnings.aspx
Or
contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364
1777.
ENDS
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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