Harmful Algae Blooming On Kerr Lake

Monday, July 24th 2006, 12:50 pm

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The U-S Army Corps of Engineers posted signs Monday that warn people to stay away from the Cowington Cove beach and swimming area at Kerr Lake because of a dangerous form of algae that's blooming.

Tony Clyde with the Corps' district office in Tulsa says the blue-green algae bloom has appeared on the surface of the lake near Cowington and covers an estimated four to five acres.

The Centers for Disease Control says the algae can affect the brain and the liver of humans and cause stomach illnesses, itching and affect breathing.

Campers and swimmers at Cowington Cove were warned about the algae during the weekend and the warning signs were posted Monday.

The Corps says Kerr is the only corps lake in Oklahoma seeing such a bloom and it's expected to die off in ten days to two weeks.