High levels of a potentially toxic algae have been found in a stream in Stoke, Nelson City Council said today in a statement. The warning comes as two similar health warnings were issued this week in Canterbury.
The algae, also known as cyanobacteria, was discovered in two Stoke sites - in Poorman Valley Stream, including Seaview Road, downstream of Nayland College, and in Isel Park, by Main Road Stoke between the footbridge and Main Road.
The Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Public Health Service and Nelson City Council have advised the public to avoid entering the stream or allowing their dogs to enter into the water until a notice is issued declaring that the algae is no longer a problem.
Warning signs have been erected at both sites and will be removed when the cyanobacteria is no longer present.
Toxic algae is currently not at high levels in other Nelson streams and rivers, the council said.
In Canterbury, the district health board's community and public health unit has warned of potentially toxic benthic cyanobacteria at two sites in the Waimakariri district.
Canterbury medical officer of health, Dr Ramon Pink, told 1 NEWS the dark-coloured algae can produce toxins harmful to both animals and people, and even a small amount has the potential to kill a dog.
Toxic algae naturally occurs in clean rivers and generally increases in concentration over the summer months, especially during dry periods when river flows are low.
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