TULSA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District has modified its blue-green algae response procedures for summer 2012 for Tulsa District lakes in Oklahoma and Texas. The Corps will take a public education approach to blue-green algae notification and simplify its signage to make it clearer and easier to understand. These efforts are in coordination with proposed state legislation.

Instead of the advisory and warning signs used last year, the Corps will post an educational sign throughout the summer at all Tulsa District reservoirs with information about blue-green algae.

Once a suspected blue-green algae bloom is reported by the public or lake staff and test results indicate levels exceed 100,000 cells per milliliter of water, a blue-green algae awareness level advisory will be issued and advisory signs will be posted lake-wide. An advisory indicates that there is an elevated risk of adverse health effects because BGA is present.

At the advisory level, children and pets are more likely to get sick because of blue-green algae, and pets and livestock should be kept off of the beach and out of the water. The Tulsa District advises members of the public not to drink untreated lake water and to use caution when swimming, water skiing and coming into contact with lake water. Visitors should also avoid areas with visible algae accumulation or discolored water.

Once tests indicate levels have fallen below 100,000 cells/ml of water, the advisory will be lifted.

In addition to signage, the Corps is also developing a blue-green algae section on its website, which is expected to launch soon.

The Corps will also continue to release the cell count numbers for each lake when an advisory is issued. "We want to provide the safest possible recreation opportunities at our lakes," said Col. Michael Teague, Tulsa District commander. "Our goal is to provide as much information as possible so that individuals can make educated decisions for themselves and their families."

Currently, Eufaula Lake and Waurika Lake are under advisory.