The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has advised the City of Guthrie that the
counts of Blue Green Algae are high at Liberty Lake, and the City of Guthrie has temporarily halted
activities such as swimming and watercraft use that requires the operator to enter the water.
The City’s drinking water is not affected by this problem, and is safe to drink. All of our other
water resources, including the raw water at the plant, are not effected by the high Blue Green Algae
counts, and the City is currently pulling its drinking water supply from Guthrie Lake, and has been
doing so well before the notification from DEQ.
DEQ has advised the City that the issue at Liberty Lake will run its course as the algae uses up its fuel
supply of phosphates (fertilizers, etc.) in the water. They recommend no swimming at Liberty Lake for
the time being, as well as keeping pets out of the water. They’re confident that this has occurred due to
the timing of the rains, run off from surrounding fields, and natural spring algae bloom. The timing of all
of these factors has washed high amounts of phosphates into the lake, resulting in the algae bloom.
Temporary signage is being placed around the lake.
Liberty Lake activities that are temporarily prohibited:
Swimming/wading by humans or animals
Tubing/water skiing/wakeboarding
Watercraft use which requires the rider/operator to enter the water or has a reasonably high probability of
such occurring
Liberty Lake activities that will continue to be offered:
Fishing on banks or by watercraft
Boating
Camping
Hiking/bicycling
Equestrian usage
For questions about water quality, contact:
Public Works Office
405-282-8400
Water Treatment Plant
405-282-0532
For questions about Liberty Lake activities, contact:
Guthrie Police Department
405-282-3535