Council has started its summer blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) monitoring programme, to ensure it can provide up-to-date information to river users on any elevated levels of algae in the Maitai River.
Blue-green algae is a naturally occurring organism found throughout New Zealand. It is found in lowland streams and rivers where water quality is good.
Blue-green algae mats can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, dogs, livestock and wildlife when ingested.
Levels typically spike during warm, settled weather, and Council’s monitoring and reporting processes are designed to manage the risk of this natural phenomenon to the health of dogs and humans using the Maitai River.
Blue-green algae mats are usually washed away following moderate rainfall and elevated river flows.
The results, along with the Current Alert Status, Frequently Asked Questions and further information about blue-green algae will be available over the summer on Council’s website, updated weekly on a Thursday, at nelson.govt.nz/toxic-algae