Toxic bloom warning

A health warning has been placed on Lake Okaro, marking the beginning of the traditional season of algal blooms on Rotorua's ailing lakes.

The warning was issued following the discovery of cyanobacteria algal blooms in the small lake, 25 kilometres south of Rotorua.

Samples taken by Environment Bay of Plenty confirmed the bloom had reached potentially harmful levels.

December traditionally signals the start of the algal bloom season. Earlier this year, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotorua and the Kaituna River were placed under health warnings due to a severe bloom of a blue-green cyanobacteria algae. It lasted more than three months.

Exposure to cyanobacteria and particularly its toxins can cause health problems, including severe skin rashes and stomach upset, hay fever and asthma attacks.

"We advise people not to swim in Lake Okaro or pursue any other recreational activities which will involve significant contact with the lake water," acting Bay of Plenty and Lakes District medical officer of health Dell Hood said, adding people should not drink the water.

 

- NZPA