DEQ Orders Water Well Shut Down

A state agency has ordered a water well operated by a marina and condo complex on Grand Lake be taken out of service immediately.

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality says in a news release, it has issued an emergency order to Windmill Run Marina, requiring the well that supplies drinking water be taken out of service.

Testing has indicated the well is contaminated with Norovirus.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health conducted an investigation of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness among Windmill Run residents and visitors. At least 62 individuals were identified with symptoms consistent with Norovirus since late June.

DEQ believes the virus is the result of sewage contaminating the well.

Windmill Run Marina has complied with the emergency order from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to take the well out of service that supplies the water system.

Windmill Run owner, Sam Page, is working with the DEQ to locate a replacement water source. Page is working with the DEQ and the Oklahoma State Health Department to reach an immediate solution to this very serious situation.

"The health and welfare of the customers our system serves is our first and foremost concern," Page said.

Norovirus can cause an intestinal flu-like illness. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

The emergency order follows a boil advisory that was issued July 8, 2008 after initial sampling indicated the presence of E. coli in the water.

Related story:

7/15/2008 Boil Order Issued