TULSA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District is reporting that Waurika Lake is now at the ADVISORY level for a blue-green algae bloom. The bloom was observed during a regularly scheduled water quality sampling. At the ADVISORY level, water contact is discouraged.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District is reporting that Waurika Lake is now at the ADVISORY level for a blue-green algae bloom. The bloom was observed during a regularly scheduled water quality sampling. At the ADVISORY level, water contact is discouraged.
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.
If you catch fish in a lake where blue-green algae may be present, clean them well and discard entrails.
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 wesbsite, www.swt.usace.army.mil, and our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/usacetulsa.
The attached matrix provides current levels of postings for blue-algae at Tulsa District lakes.
Note: Updates (as of August 19, 2011) are in green.
Sign Lake Area Posting Remarks
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CLOSED
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Fort Gibson
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Taylor Ferry Swim Beach
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Closed
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Beach closed. Contact with water prohibited.
|
|
Eufaula
|
Porum Landing Swim Beach
|
Closed
|
Beach closed. Contact with water prohibited.
|
|
Keystone
|
Old Mannford
Old Hwy 51
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Closed
|
Contact with water prohibited.
|
|
Skiatook
|
Twin Points Swim Beach
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Closed
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Beach closed. Contact with water prohibited.
|
|
|
Eufaula
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Porum Landing
|
Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
|
Recreation area open, but do not go in the water. Contact with water prohibited.
|
|
Keystone
|
Feyodi Park
Appalachia Bay
|
Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
|
Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
|
|
Tenkiller
|
Burnt Cabin
Petit Bay
|
Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
|
Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
|
|
|
Fort Gibson
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All areas not in a warning or closure
|
Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
|
Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sighting.
|
|
Eufaula
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All areas not in a warning or closure
|
Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
|
Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
|
|
Keystone
|
All areas not in a warning or closure
|
Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
|
Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
|
|
Tenkiller
|
All areas not in a warning
|
Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
|
Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
|
|
Skiatook
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All areas not in a warning or closure
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Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
|
Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
|
|
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Waurika
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All areas
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Harmful algae present
May be unsafe for people and pets
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Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
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Release no. 11-065