at Boundary Road and at the hapua
(river mouth).
The warning follows the finding of
exposed and detaching mats of potentially toxic algae
(benthic cyanobacteria) at these locations along the
river.
Warnings also remain in place for the
Hakatere/Ashburton River at Hills Road and SH1.
People
should avoid these areas and animals, particularly dogs,
should not be allowed near the water until the health
warning has been lifted.
Dr Ramon Pink Canterbury
Medical Officer of Health, says the algae look like dark
brown to black mats and can produce toxins harmful to people
and animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes,
Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has issued a health warning for Hakatere/Ashburton River at SH1. The warning follows the finding of exposed and detaching mats of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Hakatere/Ashburton .
Canterbury District Health Board’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its health warning at Glen Bay, Akaroa. Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels in Glen Bay are now below guideline values and the health warning .