Health warning for Ōhau Channel – 27 November 2025
A health warning is in place for the Ōhau Channel, advising people to avoid recreational water activity due to a significant rise in cyanobacteria concentration.
Cyanobacteria bacteria is the blue green algae bloom visible in the water.
Routine water monitoring results provided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have detected high levels of cyanobacteria.
Contact with algal blooms can cause asthma and hay fever symptoms in some individuals, as well as skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.
“If people do come into contact with Ōhau Channel or where there are visible changes in water colour, shower and change your clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if you do not have symptoms,” says Dr Jim Miller.
“If you feel unwell after coming in contact with the channel you should seek health advice from your doctor or by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116.”
Dog owners should also prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water or eating algal bloom scum as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria and could become seriously ill.
Monitoring will continue and any changes in advice will be communicated accordingly.
Visit info.health.nz for further information