“Walkers Lake has now been fully cleared of blue-green algae following our testing program, so feel free to cool off, kayak and make use of the lake once again!” the shire posted on Facebook on Tuesday night.

The shire was forced to close the popular recreational lake in early December. 

Independent testing had confirmed the presence of blue green algae in Walkers Lake, forcing the location to be closed to the public.

Mayor Tony Driscoll said at the time while the timing of the lake’s closure was unfortunate, the health and safety of visitors to the lake was the deciding factor behind the action.

“The health of both our residents and visitors to the Northern Grampians region must remain our number one priority,” he said.

“Blue-green algae can have some quite harmful effects on the health of both humans and animals.”

Green Lake near Horsham remains closed after Horsham Rural City Council found blue green algae.

The CSIRO says blue green algal blooms are a major hazard to water supplies as well as potentially dangerous to human, animal and fish health.

Species of blue-green algae may dominate and increase excessively in water when nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen are sufficient to support the population growth.

Warm or stable weather or water is still with low turbulence due to lack of mixing can also contribute to blue green algae blooms.

Swallowing or skin contact with the algae can cause  eye irritations, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps in humans.