Lake Wyangan remains off-bounds after high-levels of blue-green algae was detected during routine testing last month, causing a red alert warning to be issued.

The algal presence indicated the water was unsuitable for recreational use forcing the boat club to cancel the King of the Lake race, which was set to take place this weekend.

​Race secretary and Griffith Boat Club member Scott Collis is concerned the algae presence will only worsen as the weather warms up and said a solution is desperately needed.

“I don’t know what the solution is but we seem to be getting further away from it,” Mr Collis said.

“I’d say a solution to solve this issue is long overdue.”

Mr Collis said it is upsetting to see the race cancelled especially as it was the first of its kind and was expected to attract hundreds of people to Griffith. 

“We were expecting 150 people all towing a boat, needing to be fed, they would have needed fuel and accommodation so it’s a huge loss and that money is gone from the community,” Mr Collis said.

“Unfortunately due to the high algal account the insurance companies are not comfortable with the skiers using the lake while it remains on alert level.”

Blue-green algae is potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis and skin and eye irritations,  however council advises the particular algal blooms detected are not of the toxic variety.

Council’s Director of Sustainable Development Neil Southorn said a consultant report is being prepared for the next council meeting and it will highlight options for improved water quality and reducing algal incidences.  

“[Council is] looking into how best...improve the water quality and minimise incidences of algal blooms,” Mr Southorn said.

“Water quality remains a high issue to council and the water is being tested weekly.”

It will be recommended the report  goes on public exhibition.