An operational monitoring group has been established to undertake monthly water quality checks to ensure environmental hazards are identified and protections in place as the lake refills.

Water from the Ballarat West bore will start flowing into the lake in September. It is expected to be at capacity by September next year.

This follows the announcement last month by the state government that 1700 megalitres of ground water from Central Highlands Water's Ballarat West bore field would be made available to refill Lake Wendouree.

The lake's monitoring group will report back to a steering committee established by Water Minister Tim Holding. The steering committee consists of representatives from the water minister, the Ballarat City Council, CHW,

Southern Rural Water and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

There is an existing Environmental Improvement Plan for the delivery of recycled water to Lake Wendouree that has been approved by the Environment Protection Authority.

Freshwater ecologist Peter Breen has been commissioned by the council to inspect plant life at the lake and determine any further water quality monitoring to ensure the lake's environment is not compromised by the bore water.

According to a report to be tabled at tomorrow night's council meeting, Dr Breen said there were no concerns during refilling.

Under an agreement with CHW, ground water supply to the lake would be stopped if risks to the ecosystem emerged, the report to council stated.

Water is expected to be pumped into the lake at a rate of five megalitres a day via a new pipeline along Gregory Street West.