Health warning removed for algal bloom

Thursday, 11 April 2019, 2:07 pm
Press Release: Canterbury District Health Board

1 April 2019

Health warning removed for algal bloom on the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel

Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued along the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel. This was issued on 24 January 2019.

Recent cyanobacteria monitoring of the water at the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River at Glentunnel has shown the coverage of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and is now below the levels that are of concern to public health.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says “Environment Canterbury’s monitoring season has finished and will not resume until November 2020 therefore the public is advised to check rivers they use for signs of cyanobacteria prior to entering them.” Facts about cyanobateria: • 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: LAWA - Can I swim here? or CDHB - Recreational Water.

For more information on Mahinga kai visit: Mahinga Kai.

ENDS

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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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