Health warning lifted from Waikato River

A health warning was today lifted on a stretch of the Waikato River which has contained high levels of toxic algae over the past couple of weeks.

The Waikato District Health Board warned people at the start of the month to stay away from a 150km stretch of the river, including Lake Karapiro, as the bacteria could cause skin rashes, irritations and vomiting and diarrhoea.

The DHB today said bacteria levels had dropped, but people should still use their judgement and avoid the water if it smelled or looked discoloured.

- NZPA