Every week has been a "struggle to survive" for North Wangaratta Football Netball Club, which has hit several hurdles this season.

Senior football coach Gary O'Keefe stepped into the role after the former coach and 19 players walked away in round three.

Already short on numbers, the club was booted from its home ground after lead was discovered in the soil. 

Results of 16 groundwater bore tests, within one kilometre of the ground, showed five were positive above recommended health drinking water standards.

Only one of those supplies is used as drinking water. Mr O'Keefe said loyal players, officials and supporters helped the Hawks scrape in the past month.

"Financially, it's been devastating," he said.

"We have no home game gate collection, bar or canteen facilities … in social functions, it has cost us thousands.

"We found out on the Friday, May 13 - the following night we had an 18th booked."

The club's woes have been exacerbated by the "home away from home" games, which will continue to be played at various Ovens and King grounds.

Although the Hawks were still able to make some money at other venues, Mr O'Keefe said playing all away games - some at rescheduled dates - put them at a major disadvantage.

"Spirits aren't great in the club," he said.

"Eventually it will have a huge impact on playing stocks and involvement in the committee.

"The players who’ve stuck by us have been fantastic, they’re giving their best on field.

“We have no idea how long this will go on for.

"The only thing we could hope for is a greater response from everyone.

“Any little support is appreciated … I want people to know we’re still here and we’re battling to survive.”

The ground and Wangaratta Clay Target Club have been cordoned off as precautionary measures.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria North East manager Clare Kiely said the household with contaminated drinking water had been advised it was not fit for human consumption.

“All other households where groundwater samples were undertaken will have their results explained to them in person by EPA officers in the coming days,” she said.

“Once EPA has the full picture of how much lead is contaminating the reserve and groundwater, it can then provide advice on the most appropriate clean-up methods to ensure all traces of lead can be removed or managed appropriately."

The Border Mail interviewed several landholders surrounding the gun club, all said their bore water hadn't been tested.

Neighbouring resident Sue Chatfield said she was glad her family had been notified, but wanted the problem resolved.

"The authorities need to be proactive and rectify it for the football and gun clubs," she said.

"We would like to see a strategy for how it will be dealt with."

The Vine Hotel has stopped using bore water for toilets and other amenities.

Owner Ian Ladgrove said he was waiting on further results from the EPA.

"It is a bit worrying it could bring down property prices and affect business," he said.

"The community are asking about it everyday.

"We've had a bit of a loss of trade from the footy and gun clubs since they have been closed down."