Swimmers Warned As E. Coli Outbreak Hits Oklahoma Waterways

Just as Oklahoma enters the endless lake day period of summer, E. coli is breaking out in Sooner State waterways.

It's affecting some of Oklahoma's favorite swimming holes. 

Some areas of Grand Lake and the Illinois River are experiencing high levels of E. coli in the water. These include:

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

What caused E. coli in lakes and rivers? 

Rain. These areas, as well as most of Oklahoma, have had record rainfalls this spring, and with it comes a lot of runoff.

As the runoff enters the lake basin, it carries animal feces with it. Horse poop, goat pellets, cow patties, etc... When it hits the lakes and stagnates in our increasing temperatures, it's the perfect petri dish for bacteria to explode.

Will it ruin your lake days? 

It certainly could.

Waterborne pathogens have a funny knack of getting into the human body. Even if you follow best practices, there's no sure-fire way to avoid catching E. coli.

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality recommends the following if you plan on going in the water.

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

That includes cracking open a beer as you float the river.

While this advisory is limited to Grand Lake and the Illinois River, odds are most bodies of water in Oklahoma will soon share this advisory, if not yet already. Water testing continues statewide.

Odds are, as the runoff concludes in portions of the state, as Oklahoma enters a dry period, this should subside in due time as it all flows to the Gulf of America.