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Health warning removed for algal blooms
29 May 2019
Health warning removed for algal blooms
at the Ashley/Rakahuri River at State Highway 1 and the
Rangiora-Loburn Bridge
Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted the algal bloom health warnings issued along the Ashley/ Rakahuri River at State Highway 1 on the 5 February 2019 and at the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge on 15 January 2019.
Recent cyanobacteria surveying of the water in the Ashley/Rakahuri River has shown the coverage of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has decreased and are now below the levels that are of concern to public health.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says Environment Canterbury’s sampling of Canterbury Rivers has come to an end for this season and will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.
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:
Land Air Water Aotearoa or Community and Public
Health
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.
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