CAUTION ADVISED – Toxic algae
CAUTION ADVISED – testing has shown an increase in toxic algae and slightly elevated E. coli levels at:
– Ōtaki River near the Old State Highway 1 bridge
– Waikanae River at Jim Cooke Park.
Toxic algae can make people sick and can be fatal to dogs. These brown or black velvety mats grow on rocks in the riverbeds or come loose and wash up on riverbanks. Dogs love the musty smell and taste of toxic algae, so please keep them on leads away from the water and never let them scavenge at the river’s edge. If you think your dog has swallowed toxic algae, take them to the nearest vet immediately.
Always avoid swimming for at least 2-3 days after heavy or prolonged rain, which can cause an increase of contaminants in the water. If you’re feeling unwell after swimming at these sites, please see your doctor or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Check the LAWA website - lawa.org.nz/swim for the most up-to-date water quality results at your favourite swim spot.
Driven On The Akatarawa Rd Lately?
If so, its good to know you are still alive and reading this.
We have a function to go to over Christmas up that way and having heard a few hairy stories about the road, I went up there on Thursday to check it out. The road's ok, narrow and winding, but not much worse than a Wellington hill suburb. What was pretty scary was the behavior of other drivers. Three vehicles heading the other way at speed would have crashed into me if I hadn't been pulled off the road. I had pulled in to check the address when a truck came flying past, taking up all of the narrow road at speed. There is no way the driver would have been able to stop had they come around the corner immediately in front of me. The other two drivers came hurtling past as I had turned in to turn around and come back down the hill. They were also driving at speed and taking up most of the road. Coming back down I passed another car coming up and estimate that the safe speed to pass another car was about 30-35 kms.p.h. So, now we're thinking, do we go to the function or not.? Feels a bit like we're taking our life in our hands going up there. Drivers appear to be overconfident, and they are courting serious injury.
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