The Ballina Shire Council says there aren’t any restrictions on recreational use of Lake Ainsworth.
Advice from staff late last week was for users to obey all signage erected by the council and to avoid any slicks and scums as they are areas of concentrated algae and may present a health risk.
The lake is popular for swimming and other water activities, especially during summer.
Staff reported the following recent water quality test results, saying the council’s Health and Environment Team samples and monitors water samples from the lake from November to April every year.
The samples are tested at a laboratory in Tweed Heads.
Lake Ainsworth water sample results from 17 February 2026:Total cyanophyta biovolume
Sites 1 & 2 = <0.01 mm3/L
Sites 3 & 4 = <0.01 mm3/L
Toxic Cyanophyta biovolume:
Sites 1 & 2 = Not Detected
Sites 3 & 4 = Not Detected
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