"The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water," according to Dr Jim Miller, Medical Officer of Health. He added, "blue-green algae have the potential to release toxins which can affect health by aggravating hayfever and asthma, causing skin rashes, and also damage to the nervous system."
Environment Bay of Plenty checks weekly for signs of the blue-green algae (the micro-organism that causes the bloom) in the main lakes over summer and people will be advised of any changes in water quality that are of public health significance.
"As we have many recreational waters in the area, the sampling points are limited. Blooms can also occur quite quickly in the right conditions, so it is always safest to check the water before you get in." says Dr Miller "Look before you leap; if the water looks discoloured, smells unusual, or if there is scum on the surface of lakes or on the beds of rivers, swim or play somewhere else"
Rotorua District Council will be erecting signs at Lake Rotoiti advising potential lake users of the algal bloom.
The status of water quality throughout the area covered by Environment Bay of Plenty can be checked at www.envbop.govt.nz
