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Swimming not recommended at these 18 Iowa public beaches

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 19:28 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Iowa DNR Issues “Swimming Not Recommended” Advisories at 18 Public Beaches Amid Elevated E. coli Levels

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a statewide warning that swimming is not recommended at 18 public beaches due to persistently high levels of the bacteria E. coli. The advisories come after the DNR’s routine testing found that the bacteria exceeded the state’s safe threshold in the last twelve months at each of the affected sites. Residents, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to heed the warnings and avoid entering the water until conditions improve.

Why the Warning?

E. coli is a common indicator of fecal contamination, and its presence in recreational waters can lead to gastrointestinal illness, ear infections, and other health problems. In Iowa, the DNR uses a “126 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 ml” benchmark—set in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Public Health—to determine whether a beach is safe for swimming. When water samples test above this level, the DNR issues a “Swimming Not Recommended” advisory, which can be lifted only once the bacteria drops below the safe threshold and remains there for at least 24 hours.

The 18 beaches that received advisories include a mix of lakes, rivers, and pond sites that are popular for family outings, fishing, and water‑sports. While the exact list of locations varies from week to week, recent advisories have highlighted sites such as:

Note: The full list is updated regularly on the DNR’s public beach advisory page (see “Public Beach E. coli Monitoring” on the DNR website).

What the DNR Is Doing

The DNR has ramped up its testing schedule for the summer months. According to the agency’s “Public Beach E. coli Monitoring” page, each beach is now tested at least once a week from June through September, with additional “on‑demand” testing when a beach receives a high‑risk alert. Testing is conducted by trained state technicians who collect water samples from designated sites and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis.

In addition to testing, the DNR is collaborating with local municipalities, park districts, and wildlife agencies to investigate potential sources of contamination. Early evidence points to a combination of wildlife (especially deer and waterfowl) and stormwater runoff as major contributors to the elevated bacteria levels. In response, the DNR is encouraging community groups to:

• Install wildlife fencing around high‑use areas.
• Adopt best‑practices for stormwater management.
• Maintain and clean public restrooms and pet‑wash stations to reduce bacterial loads.

The DNR also offers educational outreach to local schools and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining water quality. The agency’s “E. coli and Your Health” brochure explains how to identify warning signs and what to do if you suspect you’ve been exposed.

What You Can Do

While the DNR’s advisory is in effect, the public should:

1. Avoid swimming or wading in the affected waters.
2. Wash off with soap and water before entering the water at any other beach. The Iowa DNR recommends showering or rinsing with a hose for at least 20 seconds.
3. Keep pets away from contaminated beaches to prevent the spread of bacteria to other areas.
4. Stay informed by checking the DNR’s live advisory page or signing up for email alerts.
5. Practice good hygiene – especially washing hands thoroughly after handling animals or after being in contaminated water.

The DNR’s advisory does not necessarily mean the beaches are unsafe for other recreational uses such as picnicking or hiking. However, the agency urges caution and notes that the bacteria can be spread via contact with contaminated soil or other outdoor surfaces.

Looking Ahead

The DNR hopes that the additional testing, coupled with targeted mitigation efforts, will bring the bacteria levels at the 18 beaches back below the safe threshold. As the summer progresses, the agency will continue to monitor and update advisories. For the latest information, visit the DNR’s public beach advisory page, where you can view real‑time data, past testing results, and contact details for local authorities.

While the E. coli problem is a reminder of the fragile balance between recreation and environmental stewardship, the Iowa DNR’s proactive approach offers a clear path forward. By combining rigorous testing, community engagement, and public education, the agency is working to protect the health of Iowa’s residents and the integrity of its cherished water resources.