Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Health warning lifted for both Lake Rotoehu and Lake Okaro

Health warning lifted for both Lake Rotoehu and Lake Okaro

The health warnings issued in November for Lake Rotoehu and in December for Lake Okaro have now been lifted by the Medical Officer of Health.

Results of water testing by Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirm that the algal bloom has subsided in both lakes.

Despite the lifting of the warning, the public should always be cautious for signs of algal blooms if using lakes. “Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as well as animals. If the water looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or has green or brown particles suspended in it then it is best to avoid contact with it,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council environmental scientist Paul Scholes says his team will continue to monitor both lakes for further blooms. “While the Bay of Plenty’s water quality is generally good, we work closely with Toi Te Ora to inform the public of any issues. Maintaining and improving water quality is one of the regional council’s outcomes and we regularly monitor more than 70 popular coastal, river and lake recreation sites for faecal contamination and algal bloom.”

The regional council's recently released 'Our fresh water 2017' report shows Rotorua’s freshwater quality is improving overall, largely due to the efforts of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which is committed to ensuring the long-term protection and restoration of the lakes in the Rotorua district.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:

Phone: 0800 221 555

Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ttophs

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs

Email alerts for subscribers: www.ttophs.govt.nz/alert

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.