The National Environment Service (NES) and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) are monitoring Takuvaine stream following an algae bloom that emerged due to elevated nutrient levels and limited water circulation.

Last week, the Infrastructure Cook Islands team undertook the clearance of the Takuvaine stream mouth to address the accumulation of sand obstructing water flow.

National Environment Service Halatoa Fua told Cook Islands News that a member of the public reported stagnant water around the Empire Bridge area, prompting the clearance work.

“Streams in Rarotonga play an important role in transporting water, sediments and nutrients from the land to the sea,” Fua said.

“For the Takuvaine stream, a member of the public reported stagnant water around the Empire Bridge area. Due to limited rainfall and the accumulation of sand at the end of the stream from incoming tides, the stagnant water accumulated over the last few weeks.

“ICI and NES assessed the situation and cleared some of the sand at the end of the stream to flush out any stagnant water. The agencies will continue to monitor the situation.”