Corps Of Engineers Updates Blue Green Algae Lake Advisories

Dee Duren, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District has updated blue green algae information for Green Country lakes. There are several beach areas where contact with the water is prohibited.

Swimming and other water activities are prohibited at:

• Porum Landing swim beach at Eufaula Lake
• Feyodi Park area of Keystone Lake
• Cedar Creek Cove and Old Mannford/Old Highway 51 areas of Keystone Lake
• Taylor Ferry swim beach at Fort Gibson Lake

A blue green algae advisory is in effect for all areas of Eufaula, Keystone, and Fort Gibson lakes that are not already under warning or closure. During an advisory, water contact is discouraged.

All of Tenkiller Lake in under advisory due to the  presence of blue green algae.

Follow the Corps' updates on Facebook

Several cases of illness possibly related to blue green algae exposure have been reported at the Tulsa District lakes with confirmed algae presence, some in areas where water sampling has not been performed, the news release states.

7/19/2011 Related Story: Blue Green Algae Shows Up At Another Eastern Oklahoma Lake

The Corps of Engineers offers the following advice to avoid illness from blue green algae exposure:

• Don't drink untreated water.
• Don't 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.
• 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.
• Don't 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.
• Obey all water body and beach closures.

If you or your pet experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, eye irritation, respiratory symptoms or other unexplained illness, call your doctor or veterinarian. 

Blue green algae is very toxic to dogs.

If you suspect you may have illnesses related to exposure to blue-green algae you can report your exposure to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Epidemiology Division at 1-405-271-4060.