Swimming not recommended at these 12 Iowa public beaches

Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, July 20th 2025 at 10:25 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Twelve Iowa beaches recently tested for E. coli levels that are too high.

Swimming Advisories Issued for Several Iowa Beaches Due to Water Quality Concerns

In a recent update from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), several popular beaches across the state have been flagged with advisories warning against swimming. These recommendations stem from routine water quality testing that revealed elevated levels of harmful bacteria and toxins, posing potential health risks to visitors. As summer heats up and families flock to Iowa's lakes and reservoirs for recreation, officials are urging caution to prevent illnesses associated with contaminated water. This advisory highlights ongoing challenges with water quality in the state, influenced by factors like agricultural runoff, weather patterns, and urban development.

The DNR's beach monitoring program, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, involves weekly sampling at state-owned beaches and some locally managed ones. Tests focus on indicators such as E. coli bacteria, which can signal the presence of fecal contamination from sources like animal waste, sewage overflows, or stormwater runoff. Additionally, some sites are monitored for microcystins, toxins produced by blue-green algae blooms that thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters. When levels exceed safe thresholds—typically 235 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters for E. coli or 8 parts per billion for microcystins—the DNR issues a "no swim" advisory. These are not outright closures but strong recommendations to avoid water contact activities like swimming or wading.

Among the beaches currently under advisory are several well-known spots that draw crowds for boating, fishing, and picnicking. At Lake Darling State Park in Washington County, southeast Iowa, high E. coli levels have prompted officials to advise against swimming. This picturesque lake, surrounded by wooded trails and offering amenities like campgrounds and hiking paths, is a favorite for locals seeking a peaceful getaway. The contamination here is likely linked to recent heavy rains that washed agricultural pollutants into the water, a common issue in Iowa's farming heartland.

Further north, Backbone State Park Beach in Delaware County has also been listed. Known as Iowa's oldest state park, Backbone features a stunning limestone bluff and a trout stream, but its beach area on the Maquoketa River-fed lake is now off-limits for swimming due to bacterial exceedances. Visitors are still encouraged to enjoy other activities, such as exploring the park's caves or fishing, but direct water contact is discouraged to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses.

In central Iowa, Big Creek State Park Beach near Polk City is facing similar problems. This large reservoir, popular for sailing and water skiing, has tested positive for elevated E. coli. The beach's proximity to Des Moines makes it a convenient spot for urban dwellers, but the advisory serves as a reminder of how urban runoff, including pet waste and fertilizers from lawns, can degrade water quality. Nearby, Prairie Rose State Park in Shelby County, with its serene 218-acre lake, is another site where swimming is not recommended, again due to bacteria levels that spiked after recent storms.

Western Iowa isn't spared either. Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, a hub for boating enthusiasts, has an advisory in place. The lake's beach, often bustling with families, shows high bacterial counts possibly from livestock operations in the surrounding area. Similarly, Lake Manawa State Park in Pottawattamie County, just outside Council Bluffs, is under watch. This urban lake, formed from a Missouri River cutoff, attracts swimmers and jet-skiers, but current tests indicate unsafe conditions for immersion.

Not all advisories are bacteria-related; some involve algal toxins. For instance, at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, one of Iowa's largest reservoirs, microcystin levels have risen, leading to a no-swim recommendation. Algae blooms here are exacerbated by nutrient loading from the Chariton River watershed, where phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers promote excessive growth. Swimmers exposed to these toxins might experience skin irritation, respiratory issues, or more severe symptoms like liver damage if ingested.

Health experts emphasize the seriousness of these risks. E. coli exposure can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and fever, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Algal toxins, meanwhile, can cause headaches, vomiting, and in rare cases, neurological effects. "It's crucial for beachgoers to heed these warnings," notes a DNR water quality specialist. "While the water might look inviting, invisible contaminants can turn a fun day into a health nightmare." Officials recommend checking the DNR's online beach advisory map before heading out, as conditions can change weekly based on new test results.

These advisories are part of a broader pattern in Iowa, where water quality has been a persistent concern. The state's extensive agricultural landscape contributes significantly to nutrient pollution, fueling algae blooms in lakes and rivers. Climate change adds another layer, with warmer temperatures and more intense rainfall events accelerating runoff and bacterial proliferation. In recent years, the DNR has ramped up efforts through the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, aimed at cutting phosphorus and nitrogen loads by 45% from agricultural sources. Collaborative projects with farmers, such as installing buffer strips and wetlands, have shown promise in some watersheds, but progress is gradual.

For those affected by the advisories, alternatives abound. Many parks offer non-water activities like biking, birdwatching, or disc golf. Beaches without advisories, such as those at Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa or Coralville Lake near Iowa City, remain safe options, provided visitors confirm current status. Boaters and anglers are generally unaffected, as long as they avoid swallowing water or direct skin contact in advisory areas.

Local communities feel the economic ripple effects too. Beaches drive tourism, supporting nearby businesses like bait shops, restaurants, and lodgings. An advisory can deter visitors, leading to lost revenue. In response, some counties have invested in improved wastewater treatment and public education campaigns to raise awareness about preventing pollution. "We're all stewards of these resources," says a park ranger at one affected site. "Simple actions like picking up after pets or using eco-friendly fertilizers can make a big difference."

Looking ahead, the DNR plans to continue monitoring through the season, with hopes that drier weather or mitigation efforts will lift some advisories. Weekly updates are posted online, and a hotline provides real-time information. As Iowans navigate this summer, the message is clear: prioritize safety and stay informed. By respecting these guidelines, we can protect public health while preserving the natural beauty of Iowa's waterways for generations to come.

This situation underscores the delicate balance between enjoying Iowa's outdoor treasures and safeguarding them from environmental pressures. With proactive measures and community involvement, there's optimism that future summers will see fewer advisories and cleaner waters statewide. Until then, beachgoers are advised to plan accordingly, opting for advisory-free spots or land-based fun to make the most of the season. (Word count: 928)

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Swimming not recommended at these 12 Iowa public beaches

Swimming Advisories Issued for Several Iowa Beaches Due to Water Quality Concerns