Iowa DNR Warns Against Swimming at 16 State Lakes

It's August. School starts soon, but there is plenty of summer left to get out and have some warm weather fun. Unfortunately, that doesn't include swimming at certain Iowa beaches and lakes. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has updated its list of unsafe lakes, and the total is at a season high.

Iowa DNR Updates Unsafe Beach List

The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa DNR has updated its list of unsafe beaches in the state, and the number has risen to 16. That number is up three from one week ago, and the highest number since the season began on Memorial Day weekend. The affected beaches tested for high levels of E.coli and algae that can be dangerous to swimmers.

DNR Collects Samples Weekly

The Register reports that DNR staff collect water samples weekly at 41 state-owned swimming beaches. Tests are conducted Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. You can view results at the DNR website HERE.

Beaches in Eastern Iowa where swimming is NOT recommended include;

• George Wythe Beach in Black Hawk County
• Backbone Beach in Delaware County

Beaches in Eastern Iowa where swimming is safe include Pleasant Creek Park in Palo and Lake McBride in Johnson County.