THE water level and poor water quality of Chilfley Dam has forced the Bathurst Aqua Park to end its first season early.
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The inflatable park was expected to remain open until the end of March, but then shut four weeks earlier than anticipated for the safety of patrons.
Owner of the park, Michael Hickey, said testing indicates the water is safe for recreational use, but he did not feel comfortable allowing patrons to swim in the algae-riddled water.
"Even though the water testing says it's safe, you just wouldn't want to put kids in there," he said.
We are looking at the water all the time and we could see it coming about two weeks ago.
- Bathurst Aqua Park's owner Michael Hickey
Although Mr Hickey had hoped operations could continue, he said there were signs as early as mid February that it might not be possible.
Other aqua park staff had similar thoughts, so it didn't come as much of a shock to them when they were informed of the early closure.
"They could see it was coming as well. We are looking at the water all the time and we could see it coming about two weeks ago," Mr Hickey said.
The park employed around 30 staff members, which included a large number of lifeguards that supervised patrons.
MAP: Where was the Bathurst Aqua Park located …
It will take around three weeks to dismantle the park, during which time Mr Hickey and other staff members will need to be in the water, a prospect he is not looking forward to.
While the water quality was a major factor in the decision to close, Mr Hickey also had to consider the water level.
As of Bathurst Regional Council's last reading, taken on February 26, the dam is at 51.5 per cent capacity.
That figure is around nine per cent lower than what it was in November when the park opened.
Mr Hickey explained that the drop in the water level had made it difficult to maintain the park and that will need to be taken into consideration when the facility returns for its 2019-20 season.
"We will plan on next year and make next year better and hope that we get some rain to push it up. We really need some rain," he said.
At this stage, the park is anticipated to reopen on October 12, with a new layout and different obstacles.
"It will bigger and better. We learnt a lot this year about the water level, so we will put the park out farther [from the shore]," Mr Hickey said.
It has been really good. I can't fault it, it has been fantastic.
- Bathurst Aqua Park's owner Michael Hickey
He has thanked patrons for their support since the aqua park opened, saying both Bathurst residents and visitors from outside of the region "have been unreal".
"It has been really good. I can't fault it, it has been fantastic," he said.
The aqua park team looks forward to returning to Chifley Dam later this year.
Regarding water quality, mayor Graeme Hanger said council at this stage is not concerned as the blue green algae levels are low.
He said that council tests the water twice a week.
"Samples are collected from five different locations," Cr Hanger said.
"A combined sample is then tested the following day and results are emailed to council and the Central West Algal Coordinating Committee."
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