See how Iowa DNR conducts beach monitoring tests at Iowa’s lakes
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts weekly tests to monitor beach water quality at 39 state-owned beaches.
The showers and storms in Iowa are subsiding for now, and the temperatures are warming back up. If you head to the beach to beat the heat this weekend, don’t forget to check water quality reports before you head out.
A total of 11 beaches are not recommended for swimming by Iowa DNR and one by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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?
Backbone Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14
Beeds Lake Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 13
Lake Darling Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14
Nine Eagles Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 13
Pine Lake South Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 13
Union Grove Beach
Beach classification: VulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14
Big Creek Beach
Beach classification: Less vulnerableLast test date: Aug. 13
Clear Lake State Park Beach
Beach classification: Less vulnerableLast test date: Aug. 13
Lake Ahquabi Beach
Beach classification: Less vulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14
Lake of Three Fires Beach
Beach classification: Less vulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14
Pleasant Creek Beach
Beach classification: Less vulnerableLast test date: Aug. 14What U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach in Iowa is not recommended for swimming?
Due to elevated bacterial counts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also advises against swimming at Lake Red Rock’s North Overlook Beach until further notice.
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’?
Four beaches previously considered “not recommended for swimming” in Week 12 data, posted on Aug. 9, are now OK for swimming:
Bobwhite State ParkMcIntosh Woods BeachEmerson Bay BeachGeorge Wyth BeachHow 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 [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
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Publish date : 2024-08-16 05:52:00
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