02/12/2025
Hey team! That time of year again, please be careful x
🚨 Beware of Algae Alert! 🚨
Toxic algae can be fatal to our furry friends. This is especially dangerous to dogs, who like the smell and taste of algal mats.
Our most popular swimming spots are monitored regularly, but it’s important to know what toxic algae looks like and when it is most harmful so you can check for toxic algal blooms before letting your dog near the water:
💧 Toxic algae occurs as weather dries and water temperatures warm.
💧 Dogs are most at risk to toxic algae poisoning as they like the smell and taste. A small amount, the size of a 50 cent piece, can be enough to kill a dog.
💧 In rivers, toxic algae grows on rocks in the riverbed and forms leathery dark green or black mats. Dogs are most susceptible when mats wash up at the river edges.
💧 Toxic algae mats often have air bubbles on their surface in the middle of the day. As they dry out they can become light brown in colour, and are distinctive for their deep earthy or musty smell.
There are two important things you should do:
💧 Always wait 48 hours after heavy rain before you let your dog near the water, and be sure to know how to spot toxic algal blooms.
If you're near the Hutt River, stay informed below:
Check for alerts on LAWA’s Can I Swim Here: www.lawa.org.nz/swim
You can find out more about toxic algae at: www.gw.govt.nz/freshwater-toxic-algae/
