16 Jan 2012

Alga warning for Canterbury river

4:54 am on 16 January 2012

A warning has been issued about toxic alga in the water at the Lowburn bridge on the Ashley River in Canterbury.

An earlier warning was already in place for the Waipara River at Teviotdale Bridge, the Pareora River at Pareora Huts and the Opihi River at State Highway One.

The blue-green alga is harmful to people and animals, particularly dogs.

Canterbury Medical officer of health Daniel Williams says exposure to the water can cause rashes, nausea, stomach cramps and tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips.

He says people should stay out of the water until further notice. Boiling the water will not offer protection.

Dr Williams says anyone experiencing symptoms from being in the water should see a doctor and pets should be taken to a vet.