Health warnings on two Rotorua district lakes Ohakuri and Okaro have been lifted.

But caution has been urged despite the lifting.

Results of water testing by Waikato Regional Council confirm that the algal blooms have subsided in the lakes.

It is always important, however, to look for signs of algal blooms before using lakes, says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora Public Health.

'Algal blooms can develop rapidly and unpredictably and can sometimes produce toxins that are harmful for people as well as animals,” Phil says.

'If there is an obvious algal bloom, or the water looks discoloured, has an unusual smell, or has green or brown particles suspended in it, then it is best to avoid contact with it.”

Up-to-date information on health warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts is available through these channels:

Phone: 0800 221 555

Website: www.toiteora.govt.nz/health_warnings

Facebook: www.facebook.com/toiteora

Twitter: www.twitter.com/toiteora

Email alerts for subscribers: www.toiteora.govt.nz/alert