Waikato lake warnings remain

Lake Ngaroto. File photo / Greg Bowker

A warning over high algae counts at Lake Whangape in the Waikato has been lifted, but authorities are keeping vigilant about potentially harmful algae levels at several other lakes.

Testing by Environment Waikato found the threat from cyanobacteria at Lake Whangape was now below warning levels.

Lake Waahi remains below warning levels.

However, warnings remain in place for Lakes Ngaroto and Waikare, and a warning over Lake Hakanoa has been reinstated after the cyanobacteria cell count rose more than fourfold since May.

Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dell Hood said people should avoid swallowing the water in the affected lakes, or allowing it to come into contact with skin.

Contact with the water can cause rashes, skin and eye irritations, allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma, and possibly stomach upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

- NZPA