A health warning is in place for parts of Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti after routine Bay of Plenty Regional Council water test results confirmed a bloom of blue-green algae.

The affected areas include the eastern side of Lake Rotorua from Holdens Bay to Ohau Channel and the Okere arm portion of Lake Rotoiti.

There is an algae bloom at parts of Lake Rotorua.

'The health warning means that people should avoid any activity which results in significant contact with the water,” says Public Health Toi te Ora medical officer of health Dr Jim Miller.

'Blue-green algae have the potential to release toxins which can affect health by aggravating hayfever and asthma, causing skin rashes, and even neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
'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.

'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, go somewhere else to swim or do motorsports.”
Rotorua District Council has erected signs at Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti advising of the algal bloom.