Lake Rotokare closed

16 January 2009

Due to an outbreak of a toxic blue-green algal bloom, Lake Rotokare is closed to all users until further notice.

Contact with the toxic algae may cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes and throat and bring on asthma conditions. Any visitors to the reserve showing these symptoms should consult their doctor immediately. For more information about blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) contact the Taranaki District Health Board's Health Protection Unit on 06 753 7798.

Visitors to the lake have been instructed not to collect or eat fish and plant life or come into contact with the water.

Because the outbreak is a natural condition there is no single or immediate answer as to how to solve the problem.

The South Taranaki District Council tried to keep the lake open to ‘boaties’ but Council properties and facilities manager John Sargeant says because the risk to people’s health is so great, Council has to close the lake to everyone.

Signs were put up early in the summer warning of the dangers, but these have been largely ignored or, in some cases, removed.

Mr Sargeant says the lake is likely to remain closed for the rest of the boating season and for some time after pending clearance from the Taranaki District Health Board.

Alternatives for water skiing and lake activities are suggested on Lake Rotorangi at Glenn Nui, Tangehoe or Patea Dam Camp site off Ball Rd.

The grounds at Lake Rotokare reserve remain open for visitors.

 For more information, please contact:

Gerard Langford, Communications Manager, on 0800 111 323 or 027 4951166

Rachael Murphy, Communications Officer, on 0800 111 323 or 027 243 3268