12 Feb 2014

Health warning for Dunedin lagoon

4:18 pm on 12 February 2014

The Otago Regional Council has put up warning signs around a Dunedin lagoon following the reappearance of a potentially toxic algae.

The council's director of engineering, hazards and science says the algal scum has formed at the outlet of the lower Tomahawk Lagoon.

Gavin Palmer says the algae can produce toxins that may cause illness, such as skin reactions, in people and animals.

Dr Palmer says the contaminated water is shallow, but still deep enough for children and dogs to swim in, putting them at risk.

The algal scum was found near public access points to Tomahawk beach and the signs will stay in place until further tests are done, he says.