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Cyanobacterial Update: Lake Ngaroto Health Warning Lifted
Media Release
Date: 4 April 2013
Cyanobacterial Warning
Update :
Health
warning for Lake Ngaroto has been
lifted
Public health
officials have lifted the health warning issued in February
for Lake Ngaroto near Te Awamutu.
This follows two
consecutive tests showing cyanobacterial levels to be once
again below the warning level.
However, lake users
should continue to use common sense at Ngaroto, as some
areas within this large lake may well still have high
cyanobacterial levels.
Test results represent the
situation at the time the sample was taken, and in that
place only, and must never be used as more than a guide. If
the water looks cloudy and discoloured, contact with it
should be avoided.
This leaves two lakes, Whangape and Waikare with cyanobacterial health warnings in force. Waahi, Hakanoa, and Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), the other lakes that are tested regularly, all currently remain below the warning level for cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria are a form of algae which can produce toxins harmful to the health of humans and animals exposed to or swallowing the water where the algae are growing.
Testing is carried out by Waikato Regional Council monthly during the warmer months. The lakes which are tested may indicate, to some extent, cyanobacterial levels in other shallow lakes in the region.
“During blooms, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water. Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” medical officer of health Dr Dell Hood said.
“Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins. If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.
“If people still choose to use the lakes when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” she said.
Symptoms include rash, skin and eye irritation; allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma; and possibly stomach upsets including diarrhoea and vomiting.
These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water. Long-term exposure to cyanobacterial toxins may cause additional health risks.
Waikato Regional Council no longer routinely tests Lake Kainui; however, caution is still advised for users of this lake because of its history of cyanobacterial blooms.
Test results should be used for general guidance only, as cyanobacteria and their toxins are not evenly spread through any lake and may be concentrated in some areas by wind and water movements. Cyanobacterial blooms can happen very quickly when conditions for growth are favourable.
Waikato DHB’s Population Health would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the Waikato lakes. Health advice is also available from Population Health on (07) 839 8899 in and out of hours.
Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from local councils and Waikato Regional Council.
About Waikato District Health Board and Health Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 373,220 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6450 people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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