TULSA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District has received reports of algae blooms on two Corps’ lakes.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District has received reports of algae blooms on two Corps’ lakes.
Test results have determined that the reported algae bloom in the Chouteau Bend area of Fort Gibson Lake was not blue-green algae. It was a green algae bloom that is not harmful to the public. However, tests showed that blue-green algae levels that could present a moderate risk were present at the Taylor Ferry swim beach. As a precaution, the swim beach is closed until further notice.
An algae bloom was reported at Tenkiller Lake. The Corps of Engineers will perform samples to determine if it is blue-green algae and if it is harmful. Results will not be back until next week. Visitors are asked to be cautious and avoid contact with scummy, mossy, or discolored water.
Blue-green algae are naturally present in Tulsa District lakes at low concentrations, however, during hot and dry conditions, nuisance blue-green algae blooms can occur and these blooms can create unwanted risks associated with swimming and wading at recreational areas. A blue-green algae bloom can occur in any lake at any time if the conditions are right.
Visitors are asked to take the following precautions at all Tulsa District lakes:
1. Do not drink untreated water.
2. Do not swim, water ski, wade, or boat in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water.
3. If you swim or wade in water that may have blue-green algae present – rinse off with fresh water (and soap if it is available). This is also an effective method of reducing skin exposure for your pets.
4. Do not let pets or livestock swim or drink where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water.
5. Respect all water body and beach closures
Visitors are asked to report any possible blue-green algae blooms to the local project office or the Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality. If a potential bloom is reported, we will perform water samples to determine if the bloom is harmful. Not all blue-green algae blooms are harmful.
The Corps of Engineers will post updates on our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/usacetulsa.
Release no. 11-055