LAKE Burley Griffin  will remain closed, after last week’s spike in a toxic strain of blue-green algae.

The National Capital Authority has said that despite blue-green algae levels subsiding, it still remains above the level considered safe for primary contact activities.

National Capital Authority chief executive, Gary Rake said there has been a large improvement in the water quality over the last week.

“The worst affected areas last week recorded a count of 66 million cells per millilitre, compared to a rate of 250 000 per milliltre this week,” NCA chief executive Gary Rake.

“This is still five times higher than the levels considered safe for activities such as swimming.

“We continue to ask all secondary contact lake users to exercise extra caution. Inexperienced users, and people in unstable craft, should avoid going on to the lake until water quality further improves.”

The Captain Cook Memorial Jet in Central Basin is switched off as winds can create fine mists and cause jet water to travel to areas around the lake.

NCA also warns pet owners not to allow their animals to swim in or drink lake water.

More information at www.nationalcapital.gov.au/lakequality