Ararat Rural City Council  has warned residents to stay away from the water and refrain from fishing because of the health risks caused by the algae.

The algae can cause rashes, sore eyes, ears and nose and severe vomiting and nausea when swallowed.

Pet owners should also keep their animals away from the water.

Council planning and public health executive manager Neil Manning said algae bloom was becoming a regular problem for the lake.

“It is early this year but we have had some warm days, it usually happens in the shallow areas first then starts to build up as the water level drops,” he said.

“It has been virtually every year for the last few years, particularly during the drought, but it is not the only lake in the area, we have had the same issues with.

“We are warning the community to not let animals swim in the lake and not take fish or make contact with the water.”

Lake Bolac has not had a problem this summer thanks to higher water levels, however it has had algae blooms in the past few years during dry weather.

Treating the algae can also be difficult once it covers the lake.

Mr Manning said it was time council considered long term options to prevent the algae bloom from returning.

“This is an example of a pretty full lake, because it is not low, and it is still happening,” he said.

“It is something we have to consider for planning in how we look after lake.

“The lake hasn’t been dredged for quite a few years, but an issue with dredging lake is the sediment, so that could help, but might also put it back a bit longer.

“We need to put some options together, but at this stage what we need to do is protect community health, which is why we have put up signs saying not to take fish or be careful with animals.”

Ararat Rural City mayor Paul Hooper said in the past council had only had brief talks about the problem.

“There are solutions but it comes down to cost,” he said.

“We had a broad brush fleeting conversation a couple of years ago about digging it deeper but the cost of it is the main issue.”

Signs have been posted at the lake to warn residents of the danger.