Tubers get ready – Discovery Canyon could soon reopen.
The popular attraction at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area has been closed since last Friday as a precaution due to concerns about water quality.
A recent run of soaring temperatures and next to no rainfall saw bacteria levels rise.
"Elevated levels of fecal bacteria were detected via testing of the water park at this location. At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at the Discovery Canyon Lazy River. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact," said the Alberta Health Services advisory.
Since then, the pumps have been running steadily to refresh the water supply and it is hoped that Discovery Canyon could reopen again by the long weekend, said River Bend Golf and Recreation Society general manager Rob MacPherson on Wednesday.
"We ran our pumps all weekend to try and clear up the water."
MacPherson said he must wait on the latest test results from AHS before making an official announcement.
"We're doing everything we can to get a clean result for reopening."
MacPherson said AHS did not order Discovery Canyon closed since, unlike a public swimming pool full of treated water, the river-fed attraction is considered a natural body of water.
AHS signs were posted at Discovery Canyon warning that swimming was not suitable and that fecal indicator bacteria levels exceed recommendation limits and that contact with water might cause illness.
MacPherson said with many Discovery Canyon visitors travelling long distances to get there they did not want to have people show up only to be disappointed. Also, they did not want to put staff in a position where they did not feel comfortable entering the water.
"It was just easier to close."
The closure is very unusual. MacPherson said it has never happened in his six years at River Bend and a city staffer who has worked for the municipality for many years could not recall a similar situation ever arising.
"I'm hoping this is a one-off and we get back to business as usual."
Water for Discovery Canyon is pumped from Red Deer River into a huge pond next to the golf course's ninth hole and then pumped to the top of the tube run.
However, the hot weather and the lack of rainfall to refresh the water supply led to rising fecal bacteria counts in the water.
Similar weather conditions have led to outbreaks of blue-green algae around Alberta lakes. On Wednesday, AHS issued a health advisory for Pigeon Lake, warning lake-goers to keep themselves and their pets out of any blooms.
