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High E. coli Levels Close Iowa Beaches
1 Aug
Summary
- 16 Iowa beaches are not recommended for swimming this week.
- E. coli and algae pose risks to swimmers at state beaches.
- Testing for waterborne diseases occurs weekly through Labor Day.
This week, 16 Iowa beaches are not recommended for swimming due to water quality concerns, the highest count since the season began on Memorial Day weekend. These advisories are issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources based on weekly testing for E. coli and dangerous algae levels.
The DNR tests 41 state-owned swimming beaches weekly until Labor Day. This latest report shows an increase from the previous week, with specific beaches like Backbone Beach and Beeds Lake Beach exceeding E. coli limits. Some city and county beaches also report high E. coli levels, including those in the Des Moines metro area.
Additionally, some beaches have special statuses. Blue Lake Beach remains closed due to low water, Brushy Creek Beach monitoring is suspended due to construction, and Lake Keomah's monitoring is suspended as the lake undergoes renovation until spring 2026. The DNR classifies beaches as vulnerable, transitional, or less vulnerable based on historical bacteria results.
