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.
Summer is nearly in full swing, which means it’s time to go swimming. But before you take a dip in any Iowa beach, check the water quality first.
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?
Black Hawk Beach
- Beach classification: Less vulnerable
- Last test date: June 3
- Test results: Exceeded single-sample limit for E. coli
Lake Manawa Beach
- Beach classification: Vulnerable
- Last test date: June 3
- Test results: Exceeded single-sample limit for E. coli
Nine Eagles Beach
- Beach classification: Vulnerable
- Last test date: June 3
- Test results: Exceeded single-sample limit for E. coli
Pine Lake South Beach
- Beach classifications: Vulnerable
- Last test date: June 3
- Test results: Exceeded single-sample limit for E. coli
Prairie Rose Beach
- Beach classification: Vulnerable
- Last test date: June 3
- Test results: Exceeded single-sample limit for E. coli
What Iowa beaches have a special status?
Lake Keomah: Monitoring by DNR has been suspended for the 2025 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.
Lake of Three Fires Beach: The DNR was unable to take a sample at the Lake of Three Fires this week. It was rated OK for swimming in the first two weeks of testing.
What beaches have improved to ‘OK for swimming’?
Two beaches previously considered “not recommended for swimming” in Week 2 data, posted on May 30, are now OK for swimming:
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 [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
