Health warning lifted for Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti

5 September 2011

Health warning lifted for Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti and Kaituna River

The health warning that has been in place since 19 May 2011 for parts of Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti and the Kaituna River has now been lifted.

The areas that were previously affected by high levels of blue-green algae were the Kaituna River, including the mouth of the river, the eastern side of Lake Rotorua from Holdens Bay to Ohau Channel and the Okere arm portion of Lake Rotoiti.

Routine water monitoring results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have confirmed that the levels of blue-green algae are now within safe limits for these areas.

“While there are currently no algal blooms of concern, blooms can occur rapidly and unpredictably, especially as we get into the summer months. So it’s always good to look before you leap - if the water looks discoloured, smells musty, or there’s surface scum, choose somewhere else to swim,” says Dr Neil de Wet, Medical Officer of Health.

There will be ongoing water monitoring and health warnings will be issued if algal blooms are detected.

For updates on health warnings in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes regions, visit our website –
www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/health_warnings.

ENDS

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