MEDIA RELEASE 9 April 2009

Health warning lifted for lake Rotoiti

The health warning issued on 20 February 2009 for Lake Rotoiti has been lifted by the Medical Officer of Health.

Monitoring of the lake has confirmed that the algal bloom which affected the western end of the lake has fallen back to safe levels.

Routine monitoring will continue and good up-to-date information on recreational water quality is available on the Environment Bay of Plenty website www.envbop.govt.nz/water/water.asp

“As we have many recreational waters in the area, the sampling points are limited. Blooms can also occur quite quickly in the right conditions, so it is always safest to check the water before you get in.” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health. “Look before you leap; if the water looks discoloured, smells unusual, or if there is scum on the surface of lakes or on the beds of rivers, swim or play somewhere else”

Health warnings for Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoehu remain in place.

ENDS

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