Rowing clubs have conceded the city's rowing future is doomed unless the water returns to Lake Wendouree.

Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club president Eric Waller said the lake's low water level, which has plummeted to 700mm below capacity, was an extreme concern.

"It's concerning because we don't know whether rowing will survive as a sport in Ballarat," Mr Waller said.

His comments follow the grim prediction by Olympian Anthony Edwards that aquatic sports could be banished from the lake within two years unless the water crisis is resolved.

Mr Waller said for the second consecutive year the Ballarat Regatta had to be held at Lake Nagambie.

"It's sad when $600,000 was spent on the lake in 2002 when the World Masters were held on it," he said.

"It stifles the opportunity for local athletes to achieve the ultimate goal."

Mr Waller said the Wendouree-Ballarat Rowing Club had a youth fours team vying for state selection.

"They can train, but their training is restricted.

"It looks like they may have to train in Geelong or Footscray."

Ballarat and Clarendon College rowing director Ross Henderson said the sport was a school tradition.

"We've got 170 students in the rowing program, which is quite a percentage of the students," Mr Henderson said.

"We have about 11 sessions a week on the lake."

Mr Henderson said the school was concerned about the future of its rowing program.

"It's concerning and with the motor boats off the lake it makes it a lot tougher to train students.

"It probably lessens the experience for the younger kids who don't get the coaching they would usually get."

Ballarat City Council will be presented with a report by consultants TGM Group on Thursday night.

It will outline the city's options for replenishing the lake's water levels.