Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Greater Wellington and Regional Public Health are advising the public to take care around the Hutt, Akatarawa and Mangaroa rivers, following the appearance of potentially toxic blue-green algae.
Monitoring by staff from Greater Wellington and local councils has identified growth of the algae in the Hutt River from Birchville downstream and the lower reaches of the Akatarawa and Mangaroa rivers. Medium risk warning signs have been posted in these areas.
Rivers users - particularly those with dogs, those swimming, or drawing water from the river for stock/human consumption - should be on the look out for exposed or easily accessible algal mats and avoid any contact with them or water in the area.
More information about toxic algae and current warnings can be found at www.gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae. If you see any exposed or easily accessible algal mats, contact Greater Wellington (04 384 5708) or an environmental health officer at your local council.