The brand new boat ramp has never been underwater, the jetties end at dirt, and the depth indicator is dry.

The lake provides water for up to 1800 residents of Campbell Town and Ross but locals are worried the supply might not last until next winter.

Bill Chugg – a Campbell Town resident since 1992 and former Ben Lomond Water employee – said he considered it ‘‘impossible’’ for the supply to last.

‘‘We have a real problem,’’ he said.

‘‘Back in 2007, everybody said it was lower than they could ever remember but it was higher than what it is now.

‘‘Where is TasWater going to get its water from if it can’t get it out of the Elizabeth River and Lake Leake?’’

Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, said the quality of the remaining water was also a concern because water at the bottom of the lake contained mud and silt and lacked quality.

A TasWater spokesman said TasWater had assessed the water supply and tested for algal bloom indicators geosmin and methylisoborneol.

He said the organisation believed the water supply would be secure ‘‘for the summer and beyond’’ when compared with forecast demand.

He did not supply information about whether contingency plans were being investigated or divulge test results.

The Elizabeth and Macquarie Irrigation Trust is responsible for controlling lake releases but TasWater is responsible for ensuring residents have access to water.

EMIT chairman Julian von Bibra said he was ‘‘very concerned’’ about the situation as well as about the quality of the water that remained.

Mr von Bibra said farmers were no longer using lake water to irrigate.

‘‘At this stage, we need to find water from another catchment,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s quite a few options to bring water into the treatment plant. It’s do-able, it’s just a matter of coming up with something that is cost effective and putting plans in place before it becomes necessary.’’

Northern Midlands Mayor David Downie said he believed there would be enough water to supply residents for another year.

‘‘It’s a concern for the whole community,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s a whole lot of people living in Campbell Town and Ross, and all of the people who live along the [Elizabeth] river,’’ he said.

‘‘It has been down to 1.5 metres [in the past]. It will get lower than that if it doesn’t rain.’’

Cr Downie said it was the responsibility of TasWater to introduce water restrictions.