A health warning in place since February for Whakatane River, near Ruatoki Bridge, has been lifted.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr Phil Shoemack said monitoring of the river performed by Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirmed the problem associated with the potentially toxic algae had subsided.
Despite the lifting of the warning Dr Shoemack advises the public should always be alert for signs of algal mats in the river.
He advises people to make their own visual assessment of the river and stay out of the river if black and brown algal mats are found covering large areas of the river bed.
The algal mats were caused by cyanobacteria, which are sometimes known as blue-green algae. These algae have the potential to produce toxins which can be harmful to people and animals.
Monitoring will continue and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly. The public can obtain up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts through these channels:
Phone: 0800 221 555
Website: www.ttophs.govt.nz/health_warnings
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ttophs
Email alerts for subscribers: www.ttophs.govt.nz/alert