He says despite public perception of algae being a summer issue, he’s concerned about the consistent presence of blue-green algae, among other things. 

“Despite the perception algae and microcystis are usually a summer thing, I’ve found they’ve been present in the south lake over winter,” he said. 

“Through the winter I can see there’s been a bloom of microcystis.”

Microcystis is a type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria has been known, in some cases, to cause health issues.

The two lakes making up Lake Wyangan are the responsibility of two separate groups. While Griffith City Council maintains the north, Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is responsibly for south Lake Wyangan. 

“I’d say what they’re (MI) are doing is a little more than socially irresponsible. They need to be looking at how to fix the problem. They’re are people who come into contact with the south lake that might have these kinds of health risks,” Mr Sainty said. 

According to MI’s website, Lake Wyangan south currently sits at an amber alert. Murrumbidgee Irrigation declined comment, but said sampling will recommence in September.

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It is understood MI collects samples from the lake for blue-green algae from September through to May.

According to their website, MI follows a monitoring program developed in accordance with a NSW Government body, following guidelines set out by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. 

“We’re about to go into another year. Another year and nothing has happened, specifically to south lake.” 

Mr Sainty put forward a solution forward last year that would see south lake reconfigured as a shallow wetland treatment facility and waterbird habitat. 

“South Lake can be turned into a shallow wetland system to rival Fivebough wetland at Leeton and draw the bird watching fraternity to its shores,” he said last year.