Summer fun: Jay Firth and his jet-ski on Lake Burrumbeet yesterday. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
Lake Burrumbeet has been closed to public use following the detection of blue green algae yesterday.
City of Ballarat director growth and development Eric Braslis said he was advised by Central Highlands Water that the lake had tested positive for blue green algae yesterday.
Mr Braslis said there had been successive positive tests in line with council’s routine testing of all lakes.
“The city has erected signage at the lake advising of the presence of the algae,” he said.
“Blue green algae is common at this time of year, with warmer than expected temperatures.
“The coming cooler weather should help to reduce the levels of algae.”
Mr Braslis said the city would continue to test Lake Burrumbeet until the levels of algae were within acceptable limits.
Lake Burrumbeet jet-skier Jay Firth said he hadn’t noticed the blue green algae, but said the water level was considerably lower than usual.
Mr Firth said yesterday’s hot weather and the public holiday combined to produce a brilliant day out on the water.
“There’s plenty of boats around,” he said. “It’s not the busiest I’ve ever seen it, but it’s pretty busy.”
Meanwhile, the water level at Lake Wendouree continues to be a talking point, as Ballarat’s hot spell continues.
The City of Ballarat said the lake was 300mm below full, which a spokesperson said was normal for this time of year.
Earlier this year Peter Gell from the University of Ballarat told The Courier the lake’s shallowness was an issue, as its average two-metre depth warmed quickly and promoted faster evaporation.