BEN Chifley Dam remains closed to all recreational users with a three-week blue green algae outbreak still at the red alert level.
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Bathurst Regional Council issued the red level alert on January 3 and it has remained in place since, assisted by high temperatures throughout January and low water levels at the dam.
When the weekly dam reading was taken on Tuesday it was at 31.2 per cent capacity, a drop of 0.6 per cent on a week earlier despite decent rain across the region.
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According to council's website, a red alert means the blue green algae is present in "bloom" conditions.
"The water will appear green and may have strong, musty or organically polluted odours," the website states. "Blue-green algae may be visible as clumps or as scums.
"The blooms should be considered to be toxic to humans and animals, and the water should not be used for potable water supply (without prior treatment), stock watering, or for recreation."
An outbreak of blue green algae last year forced the early closure of the Bathurst Aqua Park at the dam, while falling water levels this meant the aqua park did not return for summer.
