Parts of Hutt River off limits due to toxic algae
Swimmers and dog owners are being asked to avoid areas of the Hutt River after high levels of toxic algae were found.
Toxic algae are a significant health risk as swallowing water containing the bacteria can cause serious illness, with pieces as small as a 50c coin enough to kill dogs.
Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Dr Evan Harrison said, monitoring data at the Hutt River at Silverstream Bridge, and Hutt River upstream of Silverstream bridge returned red alert levels of toxic algae.
“This means there are high levels of cyanobacteria present rendering the site unsuitable for swimming, and it should be avoided,” he said.
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