Blue-Green Algae Level Still High At Oklahoma Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it won't be lifting blue-green algae warnings at a southern Oklahoma lake just yet.

Officials said Friday results from the latest tests done at Lake Texoma indicate the continuing presence of harmful algae at levels high enough to warrant the warnings.

The water is considered to have adverse health effects and contact with it is prohibited.

The algae are bacteria that produce toxins harmful to humans and livestock. It flourishes in warm, stagnant, sunlit water.

This summer's heat wave combined with drought conditions to create ideal conditions for its growth.

Army Corps officials say campgrounds remain open, and there are no restrictions on fishing or boating.

Samples will be collected again by mid-December and test results will be posted as they become available.