Health warning removed for algal bloom at Silverstream/Kaiapoi River between Ohoka Rd and Hayson Drive
Issued by the Canterbury District Health Board (DHB):
Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health unit has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued along the Silverstream/Kaiapoi River between Ohoka Rd and Hayson Drive.
Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Silverstream/Kaiapoi River show that the cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the river has reduced and it is now below levels that are of concern to public health.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Silverstream/Kaiapoi River will resume next summer when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.
Facts about cyanobacteria:
-Appears as dark brown/black mats attached to rocks along the riverbed.
-A low cover of the algae can occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months. Algal blooms are influenced by a combination of available nutrients in the water and sediments (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), a sustained period of low and stable flows, and favourable weather conditions (e.g. increased temperature, calm days).
-It often has a strong musty smell and algal toxin concentrations can vary over short periods.
-Although high river levels will remove the algal bloom, detached mats can accumulate along the shore and increase the risk of exposure to toxins.
-If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.
-Although district or city councils may place warning signs, these may not be seen at the numerous river access points, hence the need for people/ dog-walkers to treat every low-flowing river cautiously.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
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91.4% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Lest we forget...
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Dog sitter wanted
Hi there peoples sometime ago Hubby and I with our golden labrador who is nine Maxi, was talking to somebody in coffee culture now it could have been over a year ago just wondered if you are out there or does anybody else take on dog sitting in their home? We are off overseas for four weeks and end July to end August our usual home based doggy sitter is unable to help us during this time. Maxi is very placid and laid back she is the first dog to roll over, lie on her back and say … you can be the boss! LOL Maxi is not really an outside dog she sleeps inside our house bus with us and is with us all the time as we are now retired. appreciate anybody who loves dogs. Will have a few play dates before we go and that way you can be happy if you volunteer and so can we, there will be some payment compensation.
Regards Sylvia
Stitchtasticnz (kaiapoi) now closed.
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