One of two health warnings issued for Waihī Estuary at Pukehina (Little Waihī), has now been lifted by the Medical Officer of Health.
Dr Jim Miller said the August warning, advising the public to avoid recreational contact with the estuary water following a bloom of potentially toxic algae, had now been lifted.
Testing by Bay of Plenty Regional Council showed the algal bloom had subsided.
Despite this, Dr Miller urged people not to collect or eat shellfish from the estuary as the long-standing health warning relating to shellfish remained in place.
"Water quality testing shows levels of bacteria still remain high." Jim adds, "For this reason, we advise that shellfish are not collected or eaten from anywhere in Waihī Estuary or the estuary mouth. So while it's fine to now enjoy the estuary for recreational activity, we recommend shellfish is avoided."
