Wednesday, 16 December 2020, 5:21 pm Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has issued a health warning for the Waiau River at Waiau Bridge. The warning follows the finding of moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Waiau River at Waiau Bridge. People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted. There are also other access points along the Waiau River that may have benthic cyanobacteria present. People are advised to treat every low-flowing river cautiously, check for the presence of benthic cyanobacteria and avoid contact.