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August 29, 2012

Despite confusion, Waurika Lake remains open for use

Jeff Kaley The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — This is one of those situations in which “caution” does not translate into “cessation.”

Although administrators at Waurika Lake and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are monitoring the existence of blue-green algae at the 10,000-plus square acre lake, all campgrounds and facilities are open for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

“There is blue-green algae in the lake and people need to be aware of that, but right now the lake looks good as far as water quality, and we’re not prohibiting anything at Waurika Lake,” said Waurika Lake Manager Louis Holstead.

“People have been coming out all year, and to our knowledge, there has not been one report of illness from the algae in the lake. It’s safe to swim, boat and fish.

“But at the same time, people need to be aware and use caution.”

Holstead said some concern and confusion arose about the condition of the Waurika Lake when a wire service story ran in some newspapers indicating Waurika was among 15 state lakes closed due to the existence of blue-green algae.

While there are warnings at Waurika and other lakes, he said, the lake in northwest Jefferson and Stephens counties is not under any type of quarantine or use prohibition.

In testing the lake on July 23, the Corps of Engineers discovered cell counts of blue-green algae were elevated in comparison to past tests. However, the readings are not at a danger level, according to Holstead and the Corps.

“We have been contending with the algae for the past year, and we want to make sure that people know that (blue-green algae) is present and take proper precautions,” Holstead said. “We’ll be running another round of tests next week, but the lake is not closed for public use, and we want people to come out and enjoy the lake on the Labor Day weekend.

“People need to be aware, and if it’s green on top, stop.”

“If It’s Green on Top, Stop” is the awareness slogan being used in a public education program partnering the Corps with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

Signs are posted at all lakes to inform visitors how to recognize the presence of blue-green algae, such as visible scum on the surface or discoloration in the water.

The information signs also explain the risks of ingesting blue-green algae, which include gastrointestinal illness.

They explain precaution steps that can be taken, such as cleaning fish before cooking or storing.

“People are fishing at Waurika Lake and aren’t reporting any problems,” Holstead noted. “In fact, fishing has been pretty good.”

While the Corps is recommending caution and awareness in regard to blue-green algae, a bigger concern is the current elevation of Waurika Lake.

On Tuesday morning, the lake elevation set an all-time low of 942.84 feet elevation, which is 8.5 feet below the normal pool. “We’re setting a new all-time low record nearly every day,” Holstead explained. “We definitely need some sustained rain.”

The low elevation is revealing boating and swimming hazards because it’s exposing rocks and tree stumps that normally aren’t a treat.

In addition, some boat docks have been moved to deeper water, although there has been no change in the location of the Waurika Lake Marina and store.

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