TULSA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, has revised its blue-green algae matrix to reflect the latest test results from Lake Texoma. In accordance with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Harmful Blue-Green Algae Guidelines, ALL of Lake Texoma is now under a blue-green algae WARNING, and water contact is PROHIBITED. At the WARNING level, harmful algae are present, and the water is considered unsafe for people and pets.
Based on test results, the blue-green algae bloom is dominated by a type of the toxin-producing algae called Cylindrospermopsis. This type of blue-green algae bloom does not look like other BGA blooms that form mats, scum, foam, or have the characteristic "spilled paint" look.
"This bloom is a sub-surface bloom of significant magnitude," said Lt. Col. Eugene Snyman, deputy commander. "It is very important that the public is well informed and able to assess the adverse health risk this bloom poses to them and their families as they make their weekend plans at Lake Texoma."
The lake is NOT closed and all Corps recreation areas are still open to camping. Boating is also permitted. Boaters should reduce their speed because the spray caused by higher speeds can be dangerous if inhaled.
In addition to Lake Texoma, a WARNING has been issued for Sandy Bass Bay at Eufaula Lake and water contact is PROHIBITED in this part of the lake.
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.
The Corps of Engineers will post updates on our website, 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 30, 2011) are in blue.
Sign Lake Area Posting Remarks
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CLOSED
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Skiatook
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Twin Points Swim Beach
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Closed
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Beach closed. Contact with water prohibited.
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Eufaula
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Porum Landing Swim Beach
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Closed
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Beach closed. Contact with water prohibited.
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Keystone
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Old Mannford
Old Hwy 51
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Closed
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Contact with water prohibited.
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Waurika
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Chisholm Trail Swim Beach
Kiowa Swim Beach
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Closed
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Contact with water prohibited.
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|
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Eufaula
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Porum Landing
Sandy Bass Bay
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Recreation area open, but do not go in the water. Contact with water prohibited.
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Keystone
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Appalachia Bay
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
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Tenkiller
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Burnt Cabin
Petit Bay
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
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Fort Gibson
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Rocky Point Swim Beach
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
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Waurika
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All areas not under closure
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Considered to have adverse health effects.
Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
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Lake Texoma
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All Areas
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Harmful algae present
Unsafe for people and pets
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Considered to have adverse health effects. Due to test result levels, contact with water prohibited.
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|
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Fort Gibson
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All areas not in a warning
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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 sighting.
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Eufaula
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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
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Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
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Keystone
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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
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Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
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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
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Swimming, water skiing and water contact is discouraged. If bloom is observed, avoid and report sightings.
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Tenkiller
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All areas not in a warning
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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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