WA water park launched without more tests

Perth's new Elizabeth Quay water playground was launched after a clean-up without further water quality testing that day, but the health minister says that is because it was unnecessary.

The opposition has accused the state government of putting public health at risk after the BHP Billiton Water Park was closed twice since it opened on January 29 amid bacteria fears.

A day before the launch, a non-disease causing amoeba was detected in the water, but the Health Department issued a certificate allowing operation of the playground an hour before the opening after a clean-up.

In an answer provided to the Legislative Council on Thursday, it was revealed no further testing of the water was done after the clean-up to ensure the bacteria had been removed.

But Health Minister Kim Hames said it was unnecessary because results for the January 28 test were received on the launch day and the project was given the all clear to open.

A type of amoeba, thermophilic naegleria, and a variety of bacterium, pseudomonas aeruginosa, have been detected in water samples, and some children who played at the park have developed rashes and irritated eyes.

Dr Hames says only the bacterium has potential to be harmful, but it easily washes off the skin and can be killed with appropriate levels of chlorination.

Labor's planning spokeswoman Rita Saffioti said there was no doubt the opening of the project was put ahead of public safety.

Ms Saffioti also accused the state government of keeping the test results taken between January 21 and 28 a secret.

But Dr Hames has promised to table in parliament a full report on the results of water samples.