2016: Six Bodies of Water Ruled Clean; And now?

Only six bodies of water of the thousands of lakes and streams monitored in Oklahoma were found to be clear of harmful levels of pollution according to the 2016 Oklahoma Department of Agriculture biennial Integrated Water Quality Assessment report released in 2018. The rest of the waters watched by the state either weren't tested or are polluted beyond federal standards.

Only Spring Creek, two other streams, and three lakes achieved a Category 1 status that year meaning they supported all beneficial uses including primary body contact recreation.

Spring Creek also rose to the top in 2008 and 2010, but SCC’s 2020-2023 water monitoring has shown that the creek is degrading. Spring Creek’s water quality is still cause for celebration when compared to other water bodies, but continued monitoring and action to address deficiencies is needed. Most notably, we have detected excess phosphorous which can cause algae blooms and degraded water as well as high E. coli levels in the upper segments of the creek. We are working to address these issues.