Source: Waikato District Health Board
The precautionary health warning for the whole of the Waikato Region (Te Whatu Ora Public Health area) issued on 31st January 2023 due to extreme weather conditions, has now been lifted. However, a cyanobacteria health warning continues to be in place at Lakes Ngā Roto, Whangape, Waikare, and Kainui.
The precautionary health warning issued by Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit for Waikato was due to the extreme weather conditions, with heavy rainfall increasing the potential bacterial contamination of waterways. As conditions have now eased, the risk of contamination has decreased.
It is recommended that people continue to check the LAWA website before swimming. Testing is only undertaken weekly, so it is always recommended following heavy rain that swimming is avoided for at least 48 hours, even if LAWA indicates that a site is suitable for swimming.
Up-to-date information can be found by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/
