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Health warning removed for algal blooms
Health warning removed for algal blooms in the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel and the Hurunui River at State Highway 7
The Community and Public Health
division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted
its algal bloom health warnings issued for the
Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel and the Hurunui River
at State Highway 7
Recent cyanobacteria surveying of the
water in the Selwyn/Waikirikiri and Hurunui Rivers has shown
the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic
cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and are now below
the levels that are of concern to public health.
Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says Environment Canterbury's routine monitoring of rivers in the Canterbury region has been completed for this summer season.
"It will resume again next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth," Dr Pink says.
"The public is however reminded that there are still some lakes where warnings remain in place due to algal blooms."
The warnings remain in place at the following waterways due to ongoing algal blooms;
Lake Ellesmere (Te Roto o Waihora)
Lake Forsyth (Te
Roto o Wairewa)
Lake Pegasus
Facts about cyanobacteria:
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 https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/water/swimming-water-quality/
Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.
For more information on Mahinga
kai:
Gathering Mahinga Kai
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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