Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Health warning lifted for Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth
MEDIA RELEASE
December 9, 2015
Health warning lifted for Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth on 15 October 2015.
Recent water testing at Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (Anabaena) in the lake has decreased and concentrations are 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 Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth will continue on a fortnightly basis over the summer months and the public will be notified if there is a risk to public health again.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
• The algae occur naturally but
can increase rapidly during warmer months.
• If the
water is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules
suspended in it, avoid all contact.
• Not all
cyanobacterial blooms are visible to the naked eye and
toxins can persist after the blooms
disappear.
• Cyanobacterial concentrations can change
quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind).
If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the
water.
• If a warning is in place, people and animals
should not drink the water from the lake at any time, even
boiled water.
• Exposure to an algal bloom can cause
skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness
around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of
these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let
your doctor know if you have had contact with lake water
when there is a health warning in place.
For further information visit Environment Canterbury’s water quality page on the website
Or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.
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.
Keith Newman: Revised Edition Of Ratana Biography Highlights Lasting Legacy
Environmental Defence Society: Groundhog Day, New Book Shows History Is Repeating Itself
NZEI Te Riu Roa: Mandated Single Approach To Reading Will Not Work
The Conversation: Could The School Phone Ban Work?
Public Health Communication Centre: To Avoid A Measles Epidemic, Aotearoa Must Close The ‘Immunity Gap’
Heritage New Zealand: Kid-friendly Archaeology Resource Kit Launched As Part Of Archaeology Week