Water Quality Information
Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are bacteria present in freshwater lakes and marine environments, like Lake McMurtry and other bodies of water. While they usually exist in low numbers, this type of algae can bloom throughout the year. Blooms can give water the appearance of neon blue or green paint. Certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxins, and during a bloom, ingestion or skin contact with these toxins can pose a health risk to humans and animals. Recent tests and visuals have indicated the presence of blooms in Lake McMurtry. Lake McMurtry Friends, along with the City of Stillwater, continuously monitor the biology of the lake for blooms.
What you need to know
Q1: Can people swim in the lake when signs are posted?
A1: Swimming can be hazardous to your health when blue-green algae is present.
Q2: Does blue-green algae affect pets?
A2: It can affect pets. If the water looks green, do not swim or let your pets swim in the lake.
Q3: What to do if exposure occurs?
A3: If a person or pet is exposed to a blue-green algae bloom, rinse with clean water as soon as possible. Seek medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reactions or breathing difficulties; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache or fever occur.
Q5: I get my drinking water from Lake McMurtry. Should I be concerned?
A5: Contact your local water provider for additional information.
Mercury in lake fish
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued fish consumption advisories for Oklahoma lakes, including Lake McMurtry. This advisory states that people should pay attention to the amount of fish they eat from those lakes. DEQ is not saying that fish from Oklahoma lakes are not safe to eat. It's just that on some lakes, and with some species, making fish a regular portion of your meal planning could pose a health risk because of increased levels of mercury in the fish.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are bacteria present in freshwater lakes and marine environments, like Lake McMurtry and other bodies of water. While they usually exist in low numbers, this type of algae can bloom throughout the year. Blooms can give water the appearance of neon blue or green paint. Certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxins, and during a bloom, ingestion or skin contact with these toxins can pose a health risk to humans and animals. Recent tests and visuals have indicated the presence of blooms in Lake McMurtry. Lake McMurtry Friends, along with the City of Stillwater, continuously monitor the biology of the lake for blooms.
What you need to know
Q1: Can people swim in the lake when signs are posted?
A1: Swimming can be hazardous to your health when blue-green algae is present.
Q2: Does blue-green algae affect pets?
A2: It can affect pets. If the water looks green, do not swim or let your pets swim in the lake.
Q3: What to do if exposure occurs?
A3: If a person or pet is exposed to a blue-green algae bloom, rinse with clean water as soon as possible. Seek medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reactions or breathing difficulties; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache or fever occur.
Q5: I get my drinking water from Lake McMurtry. Should I be concerned?
A5: Contact your local water provider for additional information.
Mercury in lake fish
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued fish consumption advisories for Oklahoma lakes, including Lake McMurtry. This advisory states that people should pay attention to the amount of fish they eat from those lakes. DEQ is not saying that fish from Oklahoma lakes are not safe to eat. It's just that on some lakes, and with some species, making fish a regular portion of your meal planning could pose a health risk because of increased levels of mercury in the fish.