A toxin-producing species of algae has been identified during provisional screening of samples collected from Hallett's Bay.
The samples were collected during an inspection of 13 popular swimming sites in south-eastern Lake Taupo over the weekend by Waikato Regional Council staff.
The screening – carried out by regional council scientists – suggests the species at Hallett's Bay is similar to that found at areas within Five Mile Bay, Acacia Bay, the main lakefront in Taupo, Whakaipo Bay and Kinloch Beach last week.
However, the samples will undergo further testing by Niwa scientists to determine how much of the toxin-producing species there is, with the results expected in several days.