Texoma now toxic
The water in Lake Texoma is now considered unsafe for people and pets.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers announced Tuesday that all of Lake Texoma is now under a blue-green algae warning and water contact is prohibited.
Based on test results, harmful toxic-producing algae is present in the lake, Corps officials said.
The lake is not closed and all Corps recreation areas are still open to camping for the Labor Day weekend.
Boating is permitted but boaters are advised to reduce speeds to avoid water spray. The water spray could be dangerous if inhaled, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
At Lake Eufaula, the Sandy Bass Bay has been added to the blue-green algae warning area and water contact is prohibited.
As a far as eating fish from Texoma or other lakes with blue-green algae, the U.S. Army Corps of Enginners said fish fillets are safe to eat it. It is recommended that fish be rinsed before cleaning to minimize contact with the lake water in case the fish swam through the algae. The entrails should be thrown away. The toxic algae, however, does not harm the fish.
Blue-green algae is common in lakes and streams in low levels and is usually not a danger to humans unless it has strains that carry toxins. Those toxins can cause intestinal and respiratory problems in humans and animals if ingested in large quantities. For more information and to see a list of blue-algae updates as of Aug. 30 on Corps lakes, click here.
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