Bloom Busters Ready for Summer

Story Courtesy of Waipa District Council

Waipa District Council is keeping a watching vigil over lakes in the district in case there is a recurrence of the blue green algal bloom that appeared last summer. The Council is currently monitoring for blue green algae in all its water supply sources in cooperation with Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and coordinated by Environment Waikato.

Waipa District Council are installing powdered activated carbon distribution systems at three water treatment plants that source water from the Waikato River, Lake Karapiro, Alpha Street Cambridge and at Parallel Road, Pukerimu. The Karapiro and Alpha Street plants are expected to be ready by Christmas with the Parallel Road plant following shortly after. The upgrades will cost $225,000 and a further $75,000 for project management and monitoring. Powder activated carbon is known to effectively neutralise the effects of the algae and to reduce any change in the taste and odour of the water.

Waipa District Council is well advanced in its preparations for any algal bloom problems says Barry Bergin Community Services Manager .

"In addition to mitigating any adverse effects of the bloom at our water sources we also have a risk management plan in place should the levels of algae exceed Ministry of Health guidelines. Council will continue to supply high quality water services to its residents by taking steps now to prevent any loss in the waters quality at its source."

Holidaymakers visiting affected areas should be aware of the hazards of swimming, or coming into direct contact with affected water. Blue-green algae occur naturally. When the weather is warm and the water flow calm their numbers increase. The algae are minute organisms that can only be fully identified by microscope. Due to the unpredictable nature of blue-green algae growth it's difficult to predict exactly when they will appear. Cell numbers can double in a 24-hour period under the right conditions. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may cause irritations of the skin, eyes, nose and mouth that may appear as an itch, rash, or redness. Swallowing water can result in vomiting and diarrhoea and existing conditions like asthma, hay fever and eczema can worsen. Health effects depend on the type and concentration of toxins. People most vulnerable include the young, elderly, pregnant women and those with pre-existing medical or allergic conditions.

When a health warning is in place you should not have close contact with the water, this includes activities such as swimming, water skiing and wake boarding.

Should there be an outbreak of algal bloom the council will post warning signs at any locations affected and will continue testing and monitoring to keep the public appraised. Test results are published regularly on Environment Waikato's website.

Lake Ngaroto remains closed for some aquatic activities, although sailing, if suitable precautions are taken, can still be enjoyed on the lake. The very popular walkway around the lake remains open and unaffected by the closure of the waterway. The water at Lake Ngaroto is tested weekly by Council and Environment Waikato.