5 Nov 2010

Toxic algae warning for Canterbury rivers

9:22 am on 5 November 2010

Canterbury Regional Council has issued a warning over potentially toxic algal growths in waterways following recent periods of warm weather and declining river flows.

Field staff have noticed algal mats - likely to be Phormidium - in the lower Ashley River/Rakahuri in North Canterbury, and the Opihi and Pareora rivers in South Canterbury.

The Council says the toxins produced can be particularly dangerous to dogs or stock, and in some cases can cause human health problems.

People are warned to look out for areas of rivers where black mats of algae are growing or forming scums.