E.coli samples from Grand Lake test positive… again

Beach will be closed for another 48 hours

(BERNICE, Okla.) – The beach at Grand Lake State Park in Bernice is closed for a second day after more samples came back positive for E.coli.

The Grand River Dam Authority says the swimming area won’t open until Friday at the earliest, but other recreational areas are still open.

GRDA Communications Director Justin Alberty says, “Because of the continued elevated levels of E.Coli and Enterococci in the area we will continue to be cautious and keep public safety as the priority. At the same time, we are still actively investigating to determine the source for these elevated levels.”

Alberty stresses that the bacteria presence appears to be isolated to this one location.

Experts tested the area after several people reported symptoms after visiting the area.

Lake goer Michael Reeves showed up with his family after the beach was closed.

He tells FOX23, “I think the rest could be polluted too. Why shouldn’t it be here too?”

Alberty says tests from other areas around the lake haven’t shown high levels of the bacteria.

GRDA workers will continue to test the water to figure out where the source of the bacteria.