December 18, 2013

Lake Waihola algal bloom clears

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has advised Waihola businesses and community leaders that samples of algae taken this week from Lake Waihola have shown no sign of the toxic bacteria apparent in previous samples.

Warning signs erected in November, when dangerous levels of algal bloom (scientifically known as cyanobacteria) were found in Lake Waihola and Tomahawk Lagoon, were taken down recently after these levels were found to be low.

ORC director engineering, hazards, and science Dr Gavin Palmer said recent tests did not show any sign of the algae, making the risk of people and animals becoming ill negligible.

The cyanobacteria algae can produce toxins which may cause illness, such as skin reactions, in people and animals.

Dr Palmer said algal blooms were not predictable and could return at any time. ORC will continue to take weekly samples from the lake through to the New Year and would provide the community with weekly updates on the results.

If people see large amounts of green algae they should contact the ORC pollution hotline on 0800 800 033.

ENDS