News

GRDA reminds lake and river visitors to enjoy the water, practice safe swimming

Jun 30, 2019

Langley — As we approach the July 4^th holiday, both Grand and Hudson lakes, as well as the Illinois River, are open and ready to welcome visitors. Meanwhile, ahead of the holiday, the Grand River Dam Authority is reminding visitors to these waters to use common sense and take precautions if they plan to go swimming.

While swimming is always an “at your own risk” activity even during normal conditions, the recent elevated lake levels have generated some questions regarding water quality. However, the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department wants to remind the public that it continues to perform its water testing on a routine basis across both Grand and Hudson lakes and is not currently posting any type of swim advisories for the lakes. Also, the department does provide water quality data online at grda.com. Just follow the “Water Quality Advisory Map” link under the “Environmental Stewardship” tab

It is always good practice to avoid swimming in warm, still, shallow waters. Meanwhile, other lake, river and stream swimming tips, prepared by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), include:

Choose swimming areas carefully:

• Pay attention to signage about water conditions
• Stay away from any area that has stagnant water, floating debris, scum, an oil sheen, or dead fish
• Avoid swimming near storm drains
• Do not swim in flooded areas

Take simple precautions:

• Hold nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming
• Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections
• Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections
• Wash skin with soap and water after swimming

Prevent spread of illness to others:

• Take children to the restroom frequently
• Use swim diapers on infants
• Rinse off prior to entering the water
• Avoid swimming if you are ill

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.

Contact: Justin Alberty
Vice President of Corporate Communications
jalberty@grda.com
www.grda.com