Health warning lifted for the Selwyn River at Whitecliffs

Wednesday, 31 January 2018, 1:47 pm
Press Release: Canterbury DHB

Health warning lifted for the Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Domain

The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued along the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Whitecliffs Domain. This warning was issued on 21 December 2017.
Recent water testing at Selwyn/Waikirikiri River has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and cover is now below the levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says Environment Canterbury’s sampling of the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River will continue to the end of this summer.

The algal bloom warning remains in place for the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel and at Chamberlains Ford.

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/

- https://www.cph.co.nz/your-health/recreational-water/

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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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