Health Warning Lifted for Lakes Wiritoa and Dudding

23/12/2010 | Health Warning Lifted for Lakes

Health warnings for Lake Wiritoa, near Wanganui, are being lifted.

Tests carried out by Horizons Regional Council show a lower level of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Lake Wiritoa this week. The lake is currently safe to be used for recreational purposes.

Dudding Lake has also been cleared for recreational use as well.

The public are still advised to avoid recreational contact with the water at either lake if it is cloudy, discoloured or has small globules suspended in it.

Exposure to cyanobacterial toxins may cause symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, tummy upset and tingling and numbness around the mouth or finger tips.

If you experience health symptoms after contact with contaminated water, visit a doctor immediately. Boiling water does not remove toxins and drinking the water should be avoided at all times. Fish and shellfish can concentrate toxins and their consumption should be avoided.

Cyanobacteria occur naturally but can increase rapidly during summer, known as a “bloom”. If the water is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules suspended in it, avoid all contact.

Horizons Regional Council monitors cyanobacteria in our recreational lakes during summer and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality that could be associated with health problems.

Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible and toxins can persist after the bloom has disappeared. Cyanobacterial concentrations can change quickly with changing environmental conditions (e.g. wind). If a health warning is in place, avoid contact with the water.

CONTACT:
Bruce Butters, Health Protection Officer, MidCentral Health, Wanganui Hospital on (06) 348 1234 or MidCentral Communications Unit: (06) 350-8900.