Water-users in Lake Taupo are being urged to take a potentially toxic algae seriously.

Samples from six sites throughout the lake are being tested after being collected by the Waikato Regional Council over the weekend.

The Waikato Regional Council's urging people to avoid dense mats of the algae and keep animals away too.

Cawthron Institute Senior Scientist Dr Susie Wood says recent warm weather's been ideal for algae bloom.

She told Rachel Smalley while it's early days, lake-goers keep an eye out for the dark brown sludge.

"These algae species produce natural toxins. So if we consume them or when we come in contact with them, we can get skin irritations or respiratory problems."

 

Dr Wood said while it's early days, potent toxins in algae have proved risky in other parts of the country.

"Algae bloom in the Hutt River which has seen the lowest proportion of the Hutt River closed for swimming. We actually had a dog die last weekend, so you do need to take them seriously."

LISTEN TO SUSIE WOOD TALK WITH RACHEL SMALLEY ABOVE