Increased risk from toxic algae in Waipoua river

River users, particularly those with dogs, should avoid parts of the Waipoua River due to increased growth of toxic algae, says Greater Wellington Regional Council, Masterton District Council and Regional Public Health.

Monitoring of the Waipoua River at Colombo Road in Masterton by the Regional Council shows that toxic algae levels are now high. Clumps of the algal mats, which are brown or black, are also washing up on the river's edge. Toxic algae can kill livestock and dogs - if your dog eats toxic algae, it can die very quickly. In humans, contact with toxic algae can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritations and other allergy-type symptoms.

"It's more than a month since there's been decent rainfall in the Waipoua River catchment, and this, combined with warm weather, has resulted in rapid toxic algae growth. The amount of toxic algae in the river is likely to remain high until there's a significant amount of rainfall," Greater Wellington Senior Environmental Scientist Summer Greenfield says.

Masterton District Council has posted information signs at key access points along the river.  Monitoring of Wellington waterways and coastal areas is carried out by Greater Wellington Regional Council and local authorities on a weekly basis over the summer months. Results of the monitoring and latest warnings are posted on www.gw.govt.nz/summer-check.

Other information about toxic algae, including a guide of what to look for and what to do if you are worried about possible contact with toxic algae can be found at www.gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae-faqs .

Nearby Henley Lake also has high levels of toxic algae and last week it was closed by Masterton District Council for all water activities.  More information on Henley Lake can be found at www.mstn.govt.nz/ .

KEEP YOU AND YOUR DOG SAFE FROM TOXIC ALGAE THIS SUMMER:

HOW TO SPOT TOXIC ALGAE - Toxic algae forms brown and black clumps at the river's edge or in parts of the river where rocks are exposed or it's shallow

IF YOU THINK YOU SEE TOXIC ALGAE - Avoid touching and swimming near toxic algae. Put your dog on a lead and move away from the river's edge

IF YOU THINK YOUR DOG HAS EATEN TOXIC ALGAE - Take your dog to a vet immediately

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING CONTACT WITH TOXIC ALGAE - Contact your family doctor

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Summer Greenfield

Senior Environmental Scientist, Aquatic Ecosystems and Quality

Environmental Management Group

Greater Wellington Regional Council

04 830 4069, summer.greenfield@gw.govt.nz 

Medical Officer of Health

Regional Public Health

Phone: 04 570 9002