E. coli closes swim areas

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District closed the Snake Creek, Chicken Creek and Cookson Bend swim beaches on Lake Tenkiller due to elevated bacteria levels, it was announced Monday. A Corps spokesman said routine water sampling revealed higher than acceptable levels of E. coli. Swimming areas at those locations will remain closed until further sampling concludes the beaches are safe. The closure only affects the swim area at Snake Creek, Chicken Creek and Cookson Bend. Campgrounds and boat ramps will remain open. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria found in the environment, foods and intestines of humans and animals. The bacteria can cause numerous illnesses to include diarrhea and infections to the urinary tract, respiratory system and bloodstream. Park rangers collect water samples from Corps lake swim areas each week. Testing is conducted by the Tulsa County Health Department. If a swim area fails to meet established water quality standards it is re-sampled and tested within 24 hours. A second failure results in closure of the affected swim area. Results from samples taken from the affected area at Lake Tenkiller on Monday are expected to be available on Friday, June 20. Stay tuned to KXMX or visit www.kxmx.com for the latest news. By Sally Maxwell, senior News Director