A health warning has now been extended for all of Lake Rotoehu. Photo/Stephen Parker
A health warning has now been extended for all of Lake Rotoehu. Photo/Stephen Parker
A health warning issued for Otautu Bay last month has now been extended to include all of Lake Rotoehu.
The public is also advised that Lake Okaro, near Rotorua, is unsafe with an algal bloom.
Routine monitoring conducted by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council confirmed blooms of potentially toxicblue-green algae at both locations.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack said the health warnings meant people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the lake water.
Contact with water affected by blooms of blue-green algae could cause asthma and hayfever attacks, skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Signage would be erected at both Lake Rotoehu and Lake Okaro advising potential lake users about the algal blooms. Monitoring would continue and any changes in advice would be communicated accordingly.
The public can obtain up-to-date information on this health warning and others for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts through these channels:
