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Health Warning for Ashley/Rakahuri River
Health Warning for Ashley/Rakahuri River
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning for the Ashley/Rakahuri River near the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge.
The warning follows the finding of high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Ashley/Rakahuri River.
There are also other access points along the Ashley/ Rakahuri River that may have cyanobacteria present and people are advised to check for the presence of cyanobacteria and avoid contact.
People and animals, particularly dogs and children, should avoid the area of the Ashley/Rakahuri River near the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge until the health warning has been lifted.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the algae look like dark brown to black mats and can produce neurotoxins harmful to people and animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips,” Dr Humphrey says.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.”
“No-one should drink the water from the river at any time, even after boiling the water from the river, it does not remove the toxin therefore should not be consumed,” Dr Humphrey says.
Pets that show signs
of illness after coming into contact with algal mats should
be taken to a vet immediately.
Dr Humphrey says people
and animals should remain out of the waterways until the
warnings have been lifted.
Environment Canterbury is
monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any
changes in water quality.
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:
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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