Tulsans share concerns about Zink Lake's water quality at City Council meeting

TULSA, Okla. — The water quality of Zink Lake is still a huge concern for many who showed up at a Tulsa City Council meeting on Wednesday.

The City Council is trying to come up with an ordinance by or before Labor Day, when Zink Lake is supposed to open.

The ordinance will explain what type of recreational uses will be allowed such as kayaking, surfing or other white water sports.

Several people showed up at the meeting because they don't think the water is safe.

“My kids won't be getting in that water. It's not a risk I'm willing to take,” said Kelsey Royce, a concerned Tulsan.

Ann Marie Beer is a Tulsa resident who has been researching the water quality of the area.

She said if it will be for recreational use, people deserve honest information about the water quality before getting in it.

“They spend millions on other things, spend that money on getting it tested. The city deserves that, the community deserves that,” Beer said.

Others who were at the meeting also question how safe it will be to get into the water.

“You know your parents told you not to get in that water. Common sense would dictate you don't recreate in front of a refinery. So when they talk about having a ‘Dam Big Party’. I think it's a big risk again that I'm not willing to take with the safety of my family,” Royce said.

The City started testing the water quality back in January.

They also developed a public dashboard so people can see what the daily test results are.

They did that so people can then make their own decisions about getting in the water.

At some point, they hope to get enough data to predict what the quality might be at any given time.

As of right now, the City plans a big multi-day celebration for the opening of the lake that's set for Labor Day weekend.