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Health warning removed at Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere
August 13, 2012
Health warning removed for algal bloom at Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere
The Community and Public Health division of the Canterbury District Health Board has lifted the health warning issued in January for Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere.
Recent water testing at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere has shown the quantity of potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) in the lake has decreased and concentrations are now below harmful levels to public health.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says Environment Canterbury’s sampling of Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere will continue on a monthly basis.
“Sampling frequency will step up if quantities of cyanobacteria increase above guideline levels. The public will be informed if testing shows that concentrations have increased and there is a risk to public health again,” Dr Humphrey says.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
• The
algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer
months.
• If the water is cloudy, discoloured, or has
small globules suspended in it, avoid all
contact.
• Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible to
the naked eye and toxins can persist after the blooms
disappear.
• Cyanobacterial concentrations can change
quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind).
If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the
water.
• If a warning is in place, people and animals
should not drink the water from the lake at any time, even
boiled water.
• Exposure to an algal bloom can cause
skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness
around the mouth and fingertips. If you experience any of
these symptoms visit your doctor immediately and please let
your doctor know if you have had contact with lake water
when there is a health warning in place.
For further information visit http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/lake-warnings.aspx or contact Community and Public Health on (03) 364 1777.
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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