Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, photographed in Lake Hayes. Photo: ODT filesSeven days after signs advising against recreational swimming were taken down from Lake Hayes and an area of Lake Wakatipu, they have been put back. Meanwhile, E. coli levels have skyrocketed again in Lake Wakatipu at Frankton Bay - testing on Monday showed the water had increased to 1414 E. coli per 100ml. Water quality samples from the Manuherikia River at Shaky Bridge also showed high E. coli levels - 866 E. coli per 100ml. Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Keith Reid said people should avoid swimming in areas with elevated levels of E. coli or cyanobacteria until water sampling tests indicated it was safe.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 08, 2018 15:00 UTC