News
GRDA issuing E. coli advisory for areas of Hudson Lake and the Illinois River
Jun 20, 2025
Due to elevated levels of E. coli, resulting from recent heavy rains and water flows, the Grand River Dam Authority is issuing an advisory for several areas of the waters under its control.
On Friday, June 20, water samples collected from Lake Hudson and the Illinois River areas confirmed the presence of high levels of E. coli:
- Strang Bridge and Turn Around Island – Lake Hudson
- Chewey Bridge, Combs Bridge, and Tahlequah (HWY 62) – Illinois River
The public is advised that high levels of E. coli above the state advisory level (235 mpn/100ml) may be present in these areas over the course of the weekend. Levels of E. coli often rise with inflows associated with significant rainfall events that have recently occurred and are expected to continue in the area throughout the weekend.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli is a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
Additionally, GRDA encourages the public to practice common sense in the water and follow safe swimming practices, no matter which waters you plan to visit.
Those safe practices include several swimming tips from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ):
- 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 ear plugs 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.
The GRDA Ecosystem and Watershed Management Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, and any future advisories as needed.