News
GRDA Update: E. Coli advisories dropped for Illinois River
Jun 21, 2025
The Grand River Dam Authority Ecosystems and Watershed Management Department is announcing that E. Coli advisories have been removed from the Combs Bridge, Chewey Bridge and Tahlequah (Highway 62) areas of the Illinois River.
Testing conducted in the department’s lab on Saturday, June 21, confirmed that E.Coli levels have now dropped below the advisory level. Due to that, the advisories have been removed. Currently, an advisory remains in place for the area extending from the Strang Bridge to Turnaround Island (Horseshoe) on Lake Hudson.
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 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 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.
# # #