12 Iowa beaches are not recommended for swimming after high E. Coli, algae test

It's Labor Day weekend, which is a sign that summer is nearing the end . So, if you're headed to a beach for one last dip, don't forget to check the latest water quality reports before you head out.

Wondering how can you check up on water monitoring, beach classifications and know what locations are open or closed? 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.

What Iowa DNR beaches are not recommended for swimming?

Beeds Lake Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 27

Big Creek Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

Clear Lake State Park Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 27

Crandalls Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

Emerson Bay Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

Lake Aqhabi Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

Lake Anita Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

Lake Darling Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 27

Lake of Three Fires Beach

• Beach classification: Less vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

McIntosh Woods Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 27

Nine Eagles Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 27

Union Grove Beach

• Beach classification: Vulnerable
• Last test date: Aug. 28

What Iowa beaches have a special status?

Lake Keomah: Monitoring by DNR has been suspended for the 2024 season. The DNR drained the lake in July 2024 for a major renovation and water quality improvement project that will last until spring 2026. The DNR warns people to stay out of the lake bed, which might look dry, but is soft and could quickly entrap people.

What Iowa beaches have improved to 'OK for swimming'?

Two beaches previously considered “not recommended for swimming” in Week 14 data, posted on Aug. 23, are now OK for swimming:

• Bob White State Park
• Pine Lake South

How does the Iowa DNR classify Iowa's beaches based on their water quality?

DNR officials classify state park beaches into one of three categories annually based on their history of bacteria results in recent years:

Vulnerable: Beaches are considered vulnerable when the geometric mean standard is exceeded in three or more of the five most recent sampling seasons.

Transitional: The beach's geometric mean standard is exceeded in two or fewer sampling seasons of the five most recent years of monitoring and was listed as “vulnerable” in the past monitoring seasons.

Less vulnerable: The beach's geometric mean standard is exceeded in two or fewer sampling seasons of the five most recent years of monitoring and was listed as “transitional” or “less vulnerable” in past monitoring seasons.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 12 Iowa beaches are not recommended for swimming after high E. Coli, algae test