Public health warnings are provided by Toi Te Ora Public Health to help the Bay of Plenty and Lakes communities manage and monitor local public health issues.
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Algal blooms
A number of lakes in the Rotorua area (such as Lake Rotoehu, Lake Rotorua, Lake Okaro and Lake Rotoiti) are prone to blooms of blue-green algae that may be toxic and harmful to health. These lakes are monitored by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council from October to March and health warnings are issued by Toi Te Ora if test results show there is a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae. However, the lakes are not monitored during the winter months and algal blooms may occur rapidly and unpredictably. Therefore, it’s always best to look before you leap and avoid contact with the lake water if it:
- looks discoloured
- has an unusual smell
- has green or brown particles suspended in it
- has visible surface scum.
The advice below is current and any changes in status are updated on this page on the same day.
Temporary Algal Bloom contamination health warnings
| Area | Public health advice |
|
Avoid any recreational activity which results in significant contact with the water due to high concentrations of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). |
Permanent bacterial contamination health warnings
| Area | Public health advice |
|
Do not collect / eat shellfish – elevated levels of faecal contamination which can be taken up by the shellfish |
|
Avoid recreational water contact |
Go to Land Air Water Aotearoa for long term grades and water quality information on beaches, lakes and rivers in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts.
Dioxins
The local Medical Officer of Health advises the public to not eat eels from Kopeopeo canal and Orini stream in Whakatāne due to elevated levels of dioxin in the eels and canal.
Heavy rain
It’s best to avoid swimming in rivers, streams, lakes, harbour areas and at beaches for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. There is likely to be contamination from rural and urban run-off in waterways after heavy rain. To avoid illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections or ear infections, avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
Shellfish
Shellfish can live and grow in water that has been contaminated. They can store bacteria, virues, biotoxins or pollution that can cause illness when eaten.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) tests shellfish and seawater for toxic algae every week from popular shellfish gathering areas around New Zealand. If the shellfish are not safe to eat MPI issue public health warnings and put up signs at affected beaches.
Check shellfish biotoxin alerts - MPI
Key tips for staying safe:
- do not collect shellfish from waterways known to be contaminated with bacteria, algal blooms, or pollution
- if collecting shellfish from any harbour or estuary, thoroughly cook it before eating to kill viruses and bacteria
- cooking will not destroy biotoxins or other chemicals stored in shellfish
- people who are pregnant or have immune problems should avoid eating shellfish
For more advice on precautions to take when fishing and gathering shellfish visit: Food Safety when fishing and gathering Shellfish - MPI.
Updated 20 Dec, 2024