Monday, 10 May 2021, 4:14 pm
Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has
issued a health warning for the Cust Main Drain at
Skewbridge.
The warning follows a high cover of
potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria), as well as
detaching mats, being found in the Cust Main
Drain.
People should avoid the area and animals,
particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water
until the health warning has been lifted.
People are
advised to treat every low-flowing river cautiously, check
for the presence of benthic cyanobacteria and avoid
contact.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Canterbury Medical Officer
of Health, says the algae look like dark brown to black mats