Summer bloom for swimming spots

As summer temperatures begin to rise in the Bay of Plenty, water quality monitoring has begun to help ensure safe recreational water use for all – with one warning already issued.

Monitoring is in place for signs of potentially toxic algae blooms which can affect lakes and rivers. Direct exposure to the algae can cause skin rashes and stomach upsets, while hayfever and asthma may also be worsened.


Kaiate Falls, Welcome Bay. Photo: Supplied.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service will be monitoring main lakes and rivers throughout the summer, taking weekly records for signs of the blue-green algae and the micro-organism the causes the bloom.

If significant blooms are found there will be specific health warnings issued.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miller says with 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.

'Look before you leap,” advises Jim. '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.

'The Bay of Plenty is a big place with lots of opportunities for using the water. If you have concerns about possible blooms let Bay of Plenty Regional Council or your local council know.”

At the same time more than 80 popular coastal, river and lake recreation sites are monitored for faecal contamination – either animal or human.

Late last week a temporary health warning for no recreational use at Kaiate Falls, Welcome Bay was issued following samples showing elevated levels of faecal contamination

Jim says the contamination at the localised area poses the risk for gastroenteritis, or infectious diarrhoea, along with minor skin and ear infections.

Of all the monitored areas in Tauranga and the Western Bay, the Falls is the one area deemed unsafe to swim.

Jim says every area is assessed, with Kaiate Falls deemed 'poor”.

According to the councils' website, poor means swimming should be avoided, particularly by the very young, the very old and those with compromised immunity.

Jim says permanent warning signs may be erected at these sites, although councils may monitor these sites weekly and post temporary warnings.

'It doesn't mean it's dangerous all the time, but all things equal its bets to go somewhere else,” adds Jim.

'When it's a localised area, often it's well signposted at the area because it's really only the people that go there that need to know.”

For more updates on health warnings call: 0800 221 555 or click here.

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