Porirua City Council is warning residents to keep their pets away from Whitby Lakes after tests show the presence of toxic algae.
“Like other man-made lakes across the country, Whitby Lakes is currently experiencing algae blooms when the temperature is warm and rainfall infrequent. These conditions result in high nutrients that provide plenty of food for the algae to grow,” says Manager Parks Olivia Dovey.
“We carried out water quality sampling and testing at Whitby Lakes on Monday to determine whether there is any risk to the community or their animals as a result of the recent algae blooms there.
The results show that there are two types of cyanobacteria (toxic algae) present in the Whitby Lakes, one of which is above national guidelines for safe contact with the water.
The Council has posted signage at the lakes to warn the public and has let local vets and medical centre know.
Toxic algae (cyanobacteria) produces toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.
Please don’t let your dogs swim or drink from the lakes and keep them on a lead while near the area. Contact your vet immediately if you are concerned your dog has been in contact with the water.
Exposure for people can be through swallowing water, contact with skin or breathing in droplets from water spray. Although the risk to human health is low because Whitby lakes are not used for swimming, contact with the water could lead to skin rashes, irritation of the eyes, nose or throat. It is important to avoid swallowing the water and to wash off any exposed skin.
If you have concerns about your health following contact with the water then see your family doctor or contact Healthline 0800 611 116.
“Council will continue to monitor the levels of the toxic algae and we will keep the signs in place until the lakes are safe again,” says Ms Dovey. “We expect that to happen once we get a good amount of rain to and when the temperatures cool.”
6 Mar 2020
