CHIFLEY Dam’s water level may be low and there is an amber alert for blue green algae, but Bathurst Aqua Park’s operators say these factors will not have an impact on the new aquatic facility.
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The water level at Chifley Dam has risen slightly in the past couple of months thanks to recent rains, but it is still an an 11-year low.
Aqua park owner Michael Hickey said the water level and algae alert would not have any impact on the park’s assembly which is due to commence in the first week of October.
The floating aquatic facility will be located near the cabins on Chifley Dam and it requires a minimum depth of three metres of water to be operational.
“It’s pretty deep and if the water level does drop it won’t bother us to much,” Mr Hickey said.
“It’s currently a lot deeper than what we need.”
The floating park will have a buoy system to allow for any increases or decreases in the dam’s water level.
“The level of the park can go up and down as the water level rises,” Mr Hickey said.
Bathurst Regional Council’s website states that the amber alert for blue green algae indicated that the algae may be multiplying in numbers.
“The water may have a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odour,” it states.
“The water should be considered as unsuitable for potable [drinking] use. The water may also be unsuitable for stock watering. The water remains suitable for recreational use.”
Council’s water and waste manager Russell Deans said the dam remains open for all water related recreational activities.
“Blue-green algae occur naturally and can reproduce quickly in favourable conditions where there is still or slow-flowing water, abundant sunlight and sufficient levels of nutrients,” he said.
Mr Deans said council did not determine algae alert levels.
“The reason the alert level would change is a result of further water testing indicating algal thresholds have been met,” he said.
“The testing is undertaken weekly and results are reported by the Central West Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committee.”
Bathurst Aqua Park is due to open on October 27.