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Health warning lifted for Te Wairewa / Lake Forsyth
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, November 25, 2016
Health warning lifted for Te Wairewa / Lake Forsyth
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Te Wairewa / Lake Forsyth on 25 November 2016.
Recent water testing at Te Wairewa / Lake Forsyth has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (Anabaena and Nodularia) in the lake has decreased and concentrations are now below the levels of concern to public health.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says Environment Canterbury’s sampling of Te Wairewa / Lake Forsyth will continue on a fortnightly basis over the summer months and the public will be notified if there is a risk to public health again.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
· The algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.
· If the water is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules suspended in it, avoid all contact.
· Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible to the naked eye and toxins can persist after the blooms disappear.
· Cyanobacterial concentrations can change quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind). If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
· If a warning is in place, people and animals should not drink the water from the lake at any time, even boiled water.
· Exposure to an algal bloom can cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let your doctor know if you have had contact with lake water when there is a health warning in place.
For further information visit Environment Canterbury’s website
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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