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Source: ONE News
Waikato Regional Council has lifted a health warning for Lake Waahi, but warnings remain in place for lakes Ngaroto Hakanoa, Waikare and Whangape.
The warnings were put in place as a general guidance because of cyanobacterial blooms.
The council says cyanobacteria and their toxins will not be evenly spread through any lake and may be concentrated in some areas by wind and water movements.
It is advising caution because cyanobacterial blooms can happen very quickly when conditions for growth are favourable. The council says it is likely warnings may need to be reinstated for both Waahi and Rotoroa if there is sustained warm, dry weather.
Medical officer of health Dell Hood said during blooms, lakes should not be used for any activity which involves skin contact with the water.
"Scums are a particular risk and contact with scums should be avoided," Dr Hood said.
Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided.
The risks include rash, skin and eye irritation, allergy symptoms such as hayfever and asthma and possibly stomach upsets such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
The effects may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.
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