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Health warning removed for algal bloom
Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Otukaikino/Waimakariri confluence near SH1 and Main North Road bridges
Recent cyanobacteria surveying of the water in the Otukaikino/Waimakariri confluence has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and the cover is now below the levels that are of concern to public health.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Alistair Humphrey says Environment Canterbury’s surveying of the Otukaikino/Waimakariri confluence will continue to the end of this summer and then will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.
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:
Environment Canterbury - Swimming Water
Quality
CDHB - Recreational Water
LAWA - Can I swim here?
For more
information on Mahinga kai:
Mahinga
Kai
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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