A health warning has been issued for Okawa Bay on Lake Rotoiti as routine monitoring results have confirmed blooms of blue-green algae which are potentially toxic.
The results were provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council
"Blue-green algae are present in Okawa Bay at levels that may result in adverse health effects and so it is advisable for people to avoid contact with the water," medical officer of health, Dr Neil de Wet said.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in susceptible individuals, as well as skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
Warnings will be set up at Okawa Bay advising potential lake users about the algal bloom.
