News | Pānui Health warning issued for Te Weta Bay at Lake Rotoiti

Health warning issued for Te Weta Bay at Lake Rotoiti

Health Warning and Alerts

10 March, 2023

A health warning has been issued today for Te Weta Bay at Lake Rotoiti. There is also a  current health warning for the Okere Arm at Lake Rotoiti which was issued by Toi Te Ora Public Health in February. The health warning is based on water test results and visual observations provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council which indicate an extensive algal bloom throughout this area of the lake.

“People should avoid any activity which results in contact with the water at Te Weta Bay and the Okere Arm at Lake Rotoiti,” says Dr Lynne Lane, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.

Contact with water affected by blooms of blue-green algae can cause asthma and hayfever attacks in some individuals. Contact with the blue-green algae can also cause 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 the site advising potential lake users about the algal bloom.

Dr Lane advises the public to keep an eye out for signs of algal blooms if using lakes in our region. “Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as well as animals. If the water looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or has green or brown particles floating in it then it is best to avoid contact with it.” 

Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:

2022 Health Warning issued for Te Weta Bay v2

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Updated 11 Jan, 2024