Algae in Te Waikoropupū Springs not unusual, says DOC

Friday, 15 November 2019

Visitors at Main Spring this week where some algae has been growing in quiet patches of the waterway.

Algae in Te Waikoropupū Springs is not an unusual occurrence, says a Department of Conservation manager.

The recent discovery of green algae in the clear waters of the springs has caused alarm, sparking concern it may be linked to rising nitrate levels.

Takaka district operations manager Dave Winterburn said DOC was aware of the algae now visible in the springs but the species was yet to be identified.

'A sample is being sent to an algae identification specialist,' Winterburn said. 'The DOC expert thinks it could be a green algae, possibly Spirogyra, which has been recorded in the springs in the past.'

An algal mat this week at Te Waikoropupū Springs.

The appearance of green algae at the Te Waikoropupū Springs in Golden Bay has alarmed locals. The crystal clear springs are one of the region's biggest drawcards (video first published November 2019).

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Te Waikoropupū Springs contain some of the clearest water measured anywhere in the world.

Weeds and algae were present 'from time to time' in Te Waikoropupū Springs.

'It's not an unusual occurrence,' Winterburn said.

Growth could be expected at this time of year due to the seasonal conditions.

DOC staff cleared weeds and algae from Te Waikoropupū Springs routinely about once a year.

'We believe the presence of the algae is not out of the ordinary and unlikely to be excessive growth as a result of increased nitrogen,' Winterburn said.

The identification of the algae is expected to take a week or two.