TULSA – Crews are investigating after finding hundreds of dead fish in a lake used primarily to supply drinking water.
Experts say that a large bloom of blue-green algae sprouted in Lake Yahola and eventually caused the fish to die.
Now, crews are working around the clock to clear the issue they are calling a “natural phenomenon.”
While the algae can affect the taste of the water, experts say it is still perfectly safe.
During the treatment process, the algae died and fell to the bottom of the lake. When the lake overturned a few weeks ago, all the algae returned and destroyed the oxygen in the water, killing the fish.
“The fish are kind of thinning themselves out. Didn't kill them all, we probably have a couple thousand dead fish. Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't a lot. But it is turning around and we're starting to get more dissolved oxygen,” said Roy Foster, Tulsa Water Supply system manager.
Several fishermen nearby say it's unnerving to see so many dead fish in the water, but they're hoping to still get a few good catches.
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