Health Warning for Lake Okaro
Rotorua and Taupō
A health warning has been issued for Lake Okaro, near Rotorua, as routine monitoring results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have confirmed a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
“The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the lake water,” says Dr Lynne Lane, Medical Officer of Health for NPHS Bay of Plenty/Lakes.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hayfever symptoms in some 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.
Signage will be erected at Lake Okaro advising potential lake users about the algal bloom. Monitoring will continue and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly.
To check if recreational water spots near you are safe for swimming and playing in visit https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/bay-of-plenty-regionexternal link. Information is also available from Toi Moana | Bay of Plenty Regional Council: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/external link