US - Oklahoma rancher fears contaminated water is killing his cattle

[Pathfinder]

Oklahoma rancher fears contaminated water is killing his cattle
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Updated: 6:08 PM CDT Sep 18, 2025 Editorial Standards
Meghan Mosley
Reporter

EAKLY, Okla. —
An investigation is underway in western Oklahoma after rancher Mike Loula reported that contaminated water along Five Mile Creek, near Eakly, may be responsible for the deaths of his cattle, threatening his livelihood.
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Loula believes something in the water is killing the herd that roams his ranch near Eakly.

He has since moved his cattle away from the creek to fresh water, but the losses continue.
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He reported losing 23 cows and two calves so far, with more losses occurring daily.

"From that, throughout the day, we continued to lose cattle. And each day since, we’re still losing cattle right now," he said.
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https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-rancher-fears-contaminated-water-killing-cattle/67953146

[Pathfinder]

Saltwater contamination kills cattle, threatens water in western Oklahoma: 'It’s devastating'
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Friday, September 19th 2025, 7:44 pm
By: Deanne Stein

A heartbreaking situation is unfolding in western Oklahoma, where farmers say saltwater contamination is killing cattle and threatening local water sources. Ranchers near Five Mile Creek in Caddo County are demanding answers as state officials work to find the source.

Five Mile Creek, a common watering hole for livestock in the area, has become a source of concern after dozens of dead cattle were reported. Ranchers have since moved their herds away from the contaminated water, but the damage may already be done.

“It’s devastating, not just financially, but to see the cattle suffer,” said Mike Loula, a cattle rancher who has already lost 28 cows. “We’ve probably got 10 head that are showing symptoms. We really don’t know the full impact.”
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The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has launched an investigation into what it calls a “purge,” where saltwater is seeping from the ground and flowing into the creek. Crews have dug trenches to divert the flow and are pumping the contaminated water into tankers for disposal.
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Field testing is currently underway to check nearby drinking and well water for contamination.
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https://www.news9.com/story/68cdd31df0b924a1f96668a1/saltwater-contamination-kills-cattle-threatens-water-in-western-oklahoma