There's good news for Canberra's intrepid bathers, former no-go zone Lake Tuggeranong has now been re-opened for swimming - and indeed all activities.
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Previously deemed one of Canberra's sickest water bodies, good results from recent testing for blue-green algae prompted the Director of the Environment Protection authority Chris Collier to reverse the decision to close the lake made on March 20 of this year.
But Mr Collier said water testing will continue and residents should be vigilant in case the danger from the deep resurfaces.
"While the government does check the lake regularly, anyone who enters the lake is urged to be on the lookout for blue-green algae for their own health and safety," said Mr Collier.
Sailors and rowers are celebrating the re-opening.
"We had some restrictions on our sailing in the summer, there was a couple of times we didn’t sail, because you could see the algae floating in the water," said Michelle Taylor, the group leader of the Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts.
"I sent an email out to all my leaders saying 'woo hoo!'" Ms Taylor said.
The scouts have about 125 children on their books, with about half of that number sailing most summer weekends.
Community groups - including the ACT Southern Catchment Group, Tuggeranong Lake Carers and Tuggeranong Community Council - have previously rallied for government action to address the ailing health of the lake, saying it had some of the most unhealthy water in the territory.
Many accused the government of failing to pursue recommendations outlined in a 2011 report commissioned by the ACT Commissioner for the Environment.
In February the ACT government announced a $85 million grant to clean up ACT's polluted waterways and lakes, a move University of Canberra Institute of Applied Ecology director Professor Ross Thompson said at the time was not enough to fix the situation.
The EPA are asking residents to swim with one eye open.
"If people utilising the lake do come across blue-green algae they should get out immediately and report it to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81. If a suspected algal bloom is present, people should not drink, swim or allow their pets near the water," said Mr Collier.
