Health Warning Prompts Lowering of Lake Rotomanu

Cyanobacteria levels at Lake Rotomanu have prompted New Plymouth District Council to lower the lake’s water as a temporary health measure.

Earlier this week the Taranaki Health Board warned that the lake should not be used for boating or swimming until the Cyanobacteria levels reduced, as the bacterium can cause sickness and in some cases can be fatal. Cyanobacteria has also been known to cause death to dogs swimming in and drinking contaminated water.

Despite warning signs being erected at the lake, people have continued to use it for recreation says Manager Parks Mark Bruhn.

“Because of the danger that Cyanobacteria represents, we’ve taken the step of lowering the lake’s water level so that it can’t be used by boaties or swimmers,” says Mr Bruhn.

“As soon as we get enough rain which raises the level of the Waiwhakaiho River to the point of the inlet pipe, we’ll refill the lake with fresh water – which should help reduce this latest Cyanobacteria problem to a level which will enable the lake to be reopened to the public.”

Construction of an adjacent wetland will help improve the quality of water going into Lake Rotomanu, and the council is looking at more options that would benefit the lake’s ecology.

Meanwhile, council staff are taking the opportunity of the lowered water level to remove rubbish from the lake and cut back vegetation.