Waikato Lakes Cyanobacterial Warning Update

Thursday, 5 February 2009, 3:51 pm
Press Release: Waikato District Health Board

Waikato Shallow Lakes Cyanobacterial Warning Update

Warning Lifted At Hakanoa

The cyanobacterial health warning has been lifted for Hakanoa following
the latest monitoring results from the six Waikato shallow lakes which
are tested. Hakanoa's cell count has now been below the health
warning level for two consecutive months. Warnings remain in place at
all five of the other lakes which are tested regularly.

Lake Kainui's cell count was low earlier In the summer but has as
expected, shown a steady rise in cell numbers over the warmer weather.
Its warning remains in place.

The monitoring of cyanobacteria has moved back to its summer monthly
schedule, when there is more recreational activity on our lakes.
Testing is done less frequently in the winter months.

"Waikato shallow lake users should always avoid contact with water
which looks cloudy green or brown, or has scum forming even when there
is no warning in place," said Waikato District Health Board medical
officer of health Dell Hood. The current warm weather means that algae
are likely to be present in high numbers.

"Most lakes are not tested, and summertime conditions generally
increase the growth of algae. Users must consider the possibility of
cyanobacterial blooms in any water body before they use it - at any time
of year."

Dr Hood reminds the public that test results should be used for general
guidance only, as cyanobacteria and their toxins will not be evenly
spread through any lake and may be concentrated in some areas by wind
and water movements.

"During blooms, lakes should not be used for any activity which
involves skin contact with the water," she said.

"If people choose to do this, they should shower and change their
clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are
noticeable."

Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided.

While not everyone will be affected, for some, the risks include rash,
skin and eye irritation, allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma
and possibly stomach upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

These effects may not appear until some time after contact with the
affected water.

The Waikato DHB Population Health Service would like to be informed
about health problems which develop after exposure to any of the Waikato
lakes.

Informal feedback suggests that water users may at times experience
transient rashes and stomach upsets.

These incidents, while not serious for the individual could be early
warnings of more significant problems. There could also be irritants
other than cyanobacteria present in the water.

The PHS wishes to hear from anyone who has experienced this sort of
problem after contact with any of our lakes or rivers, to allow
recording of location, time, the activity taking place and length of
time the problem lasted.

"Minor health problems such as these do not require medical care, so
we rely on the public to keep us up-to-date with this information,"
said Dr Hood.

Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available from
local councils and Environment Waikato. The Environment Waikato
website:

http://www.ew.govt.nz/Environmental-information/Rivers-lakes-and-wetlands/healthyrivers/Waikato-River/Algal-Blooms-in-the-Waikato-region/#Heading4

has up to date results.

Health advice is available from the Population Health Service (07) 839
8899 in and out of hours.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Waikato District Health Board

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