GRDA issues E. coli advisory for parts of Grand, Hudson lakes and Illinois River

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is issuing an advisory for several areas after water samples confirmed the presence of high levels of E. coli.

These areas are under advisory as of Friday, May 23:

1. Elk River, Grand Lake
2. Wolf Bay, Lake Hudson
3. Illinois River at Highway 59 Bridge, Chewey Bridge, Combs Bridge, and in Tahlequah.
4. Flint Creek at West Siloam Springs and New Life Ranch area.

GRDA says the high levels of E. coli may be present in these areas over the course of the weekend. They say E. coli levels rise with inflows associated with significant rainfall events that have recently occurred and are expected to continue in the area through the weekend.

GRDA encourages safe swimming practices, including the following swimming tips from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ):

1. Hold nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water.
2. Wash open skin cuts and scrapes with clean soap and water immediately after swimming.
3. Avoid swallowing water when swimming.
4. Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections.
5. Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections.
6. Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
7. Take children to the restroom frequently/Use swim diapers on infants.
8. Also, after swimming, always remember to wash hands with soap and water for a full 20 seconds before preparing or eating food.

More information from the Oklahoma State Department of Health on E. coli can be found here.

GRDA will monitor the situation and will provide updates.