A toxic algal bloom has fouled the water in Lake Ellesmere, south of Christchurch. Image / Google Maps
People and animals should avoid drinking, touching or swimming in water from Canterbury's Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), health authorities say.
The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning after high concentrations of blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) were found in the lake.
People
and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid contact with the water until the warning is lifted.
The algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months. Water that is cloudy, discoloured or contains small globules should be avoided.
Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible to the naked eye and toxins can persist after the blooms disappear.
