December 13, 2017
Algae bloom blights Taupo
Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board and Taupo District Council are working to get drone footage of areas in Lake Taupo that may contain toxic algae.
Blooms have already been identified in Five Mile Bay, Acacia Bay, the main lake front in Taupo township, Whakaipo Bay, Kinloch Beach, and Halletts Bay.
Medical Officer of Health Jim Miller has warned people to exercise caution before cooling off and not to paddle, wade, swim, or participate in any recreational activity that might involve any direct contact with the algae or swallowing of the affected lake water.
Toxic algae species often multiply to high levels during periods of warm, sunny weather, and in lakes they can form extensive green to black-coloured mats that settle on rocks and the lake floor.
Dr Miller says if water looks discoloured, smells unusual, or if there is scum on the surface, they should swim or play somewhere else.
Contact with algal mats can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets and respiratory symptoms such as triggering asthmatic attacks.
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