Regional council issues algal bloom warning for Falls Dam

A cyanobacteria bloom has been confirmed in Falls Dam, prompting warnings from the Otago Regional Council about that and other waterways.

Cyanobacteria alerts were already in place for the Cardrona River, the confluence of Dunstan Creek and the Manuherikia River, and Tomahawk Lagoon.

The alert for Falls Dam was issued late last week,  after monitoring results showed high levels of cyanobacteria in the dam, about 10km from St Bathans.

The council warning said staff had been anticipating the potential of a bloom at Falls Dam, and had done additional testing downstream of the dam.

"Test results for these sites on the Manuherikia River are clear, indicating that the bloom is currently confined within the dam itself. Signs have been placed at Falls Dam to warn the public of the risks associated with the blue-green algae."

An ORC spokesman said the primary species of cyanobacteria found in Otago were phormidium, which could occur in rivers, and blue-green algae, which could occur in lakes. Both species could produce natural toxins that could be a risk to human and animal health.

In humans, exposure to cyanobacteria may cause symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, tummy upset, and tingling and numbness around the mouth or tips of fingers.

The toxins are particularly harmful and potentially lethal to dogs.

Anyone experiencing health symptoms after contact with contaminated water should visit their doctor, the ORC statement said.

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