Phosphorus Levels in the Illinois River Watershed on the Decline but Violate Oklahoma's Limit

Oklahoma's phosphorus limit, adopted in 2002, is being violated by Arkansas and Oklahoma and is not being enforced.  Oklahoma is attempting to reach voluntary agreements with Arkansas to meet Oklahoma's 0.037 mg/L phosphorus limit at the stateline.  Tons of polluting phosphorus are degrading Lake Tenkiller yearly, promoting the growth of algae, degrading water clarity, water safety, and damaging aquatic life.

Read the significant data presented in the 2020 Calendar Year Water Quality Monitoring Report to the Arkansas-Oklahoma Compact Commission.

The complete report to the Compact Commission can be found on STIR's Resources Page.

Photo: Illinois River watershed in Arkansas and Oklahoma water quality monitoring stations