Current warnings
Updated: 24 February 2010 (last update 10 February 2010)
A high risk warning is in place along the lower reaches of the Waipoua River (Masterton) from the railway bridge to the confluence with the Ruamahanga River as high coverage of cyanobacterial mats has been recorded in this area. On Monday 22nd of February a dog died after coming into contact with blue-green algal mats in the Waipoua River at Bentley St. It is recommended that river users, including those with dogs, avoid the lower reaches of the Waipoua River.
A medium risk warning remains in place in the following areas:
- Waikanae River in the vicinity of Jim Cooke Park
- Hutt River in the vicinity of the Silverstream railbridge and all areas downstream.
Although recent freshes have largely removed cyanobacteria mats in these rivers, stable weather will mean that the algae will quickly re-establish. River users should avoid contact with cyanobacterial mats in these areas.
In other rivers in the region the risk to river users from toxic algal mats is currently low. Greater Wellington undertakes weekly assessment of algal cover at 23 river swimming spots around the region.
General advice from health agencies
Rivers users, particularly those with dogs, or those drawing water from the river for stock/human consumption, should be on the look out for exposed or easily accessible algal mats (usually dark green/black in colour) both on the riverbanks and/or ‘floating’ on the surface of shallow areas and rocks in the rivers, and avoid any contact with them.
Click here for further information on toxic algae
Click here for information on river flows