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Health warning removed for algal bloom on Ashburton River
Health warning removed for algal bloom on the Ashburton
River
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Ashburton River at State Highway 1.
Recent river bed surveys have shown that the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in this river has decreased below levels that are of concern to public health.
Warnings to remain
out of waterways due to ongoing algal blooms are still in
place at:
Te Waiwera/Lake Forysth
Te Waihora / Lake
Ellesmere
Lake Pegasus
Ashley River at SH1
The public will be notified when the above sites have been cleared by Environment Canterbury monitoring.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says Environment Canterbury’s sampling of Canterbury’s rivers and lakes for Cyanobacteria has now stopped and will resume next summer. The public are reminded to keep a look out for cyanobacteria if swimming in rivers and lakes.
Facts about cyanobateria in rivers:
Appears 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 for people/
dog-walkers 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
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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