12 state beaches on Iowa DNR's 'swimming not recommended' list this week

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register
Updated

Summer swimming tip: Always check the water quality at Iowa beaches before you head out. Bacteria levels at some of Iowa's beaches reach unhealthy levels.

You can check up on water monitoring, beach classifications and know what locations are open or closed anytime. Iowa Department of Natural Resources tracks it all and updates the public weekly on its website and using a phone hotline at 515-725-3434.

The DNR collects weekly samples at 39 state-owned swimming beaches to determine the public's risk of coming in contact with waterborne diseases. Testing starts a week prior to Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day.

Swimmers enjoy the beach at Nine Eagles State Park in southern Iowa.
Swimmers enjoy the beach at Nine Eagles State Park in southern Iowa.

What Iowa beaches are not recommended for swimming?

  • Emerson Bay Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample result: July 26

  • Brushy Creek Beach

    • Beach classification: Less vulnerable

    • Last sample date: July 25

  • Pine Lake South Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample result: July 26

  • Black Hawk Beach

    • Beach classification: Less vulnerable

    • Last sample date: July 25

  • Backbone Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample date: July 25

  • Lake Keomah Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample date: July 24

  • Lake Darling Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample result: July 26

  • Nine Eagles Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample result: July 24

  • Union Grove Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Last sample result: July 25

  • Bob White State Park

    • Beach classification: N/A

    • Last sample result: July 24

Additionally, two beaches at Lake Red Rock, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, were rated "swimming not recommended." This is the second week elevated bacterial counts have been reported at Whitebreast and North Overlook Beaches at Lake Red Rock.

What beaches have had not recommended for swimming warnings recently?

  • Beeds Lake Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Previously tested high for E. coli on July 19 and July 5

  • McIntosh Woods Beach

    • Beach classification: Vulnerable

    • Has had high E. coli test results eight out of 10 weeks this year

What Iowa beaches are currently closed?

  • Geode Lake Beach

    • Monitoring has been suspended for the 2023 season due to renovation activities

  • Lake Ahquabi Beach

    • Monitoring has been suspended temporarily due to renovation

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 12 Iowa beaches 'swimming not recommended' due to bacteria levels

Advertisement