SB 259 Summary

• Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department shall develop and maintain a website and written information regarding water quality of recreational bodies of water managed by state or federal agencies, available to the public by December 31, 2012.

• State and municipal agencies managing recreational lakes or reservoirs must post signs at major access points directing the public to water quality information, using language developed by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

• State Department of Health shall provide educational material to physicians, hospital personnel, and local health departments regarding effects and symptoms of exposure to blue-green algae.

• State or municipal agencies may issue blue-green algae advisories only when both cell count exceeds 100,000 cells per milliliter and microcystin toxin levels exceed 20 micrograms per liter (World Health Organization guidelines), and must lift advisories after two consecutive tests below these thresholds taken one week apart.

• Agencies managing recreational waters shall recognize publicly and privately funded research that is scientifically verifiable and improves public knowledge of water quality and safety.