DEQ Adds Fish Consumption Advisories For Eight More Oklahoma Lakes

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has added eight more state lakes to its 2013 list of lakes which contain fish with high levels of mercury.

In June 2013, DEQ published a list of 32 state lakes where some species of fish contain levels of mercury above what is considered safe for unlimited consumption.

6/6/2013 Related Story: DEQ Issues Fish Consumption Advisories For 32 Oklahoma Lakes

The newest lakes added to the list include:

• Arbuckle Lake
• Cushing Lake
• Meeker Lake
• Prague Lake
• Sportsman Lake
• Stroud Lake
• Wetumka Lake
• Wewoka Lake

In a news release, the DEQ says it recognizes the importance of the sport of fishing in Oklahoma.  While fish provide many benefits that are essential for a healthy diet, some fish do pose a higher risk for mercury contamination. 

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality urges Oklahomans to enjoy the sport while following suggested guidelines for fish consumption.  It adds, the levels of mercury in a lake do not affect the lake’s safety as a source of drinking water or for lake recreation such as swimming and boating.  

It says the consumption advisories are the result of testing done by DEQ with the cooperation of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.