During Labor Day weekend, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concluded its summer beach surveillance program for 2025. This summer, 28 of 41 monitored beaches had advisories against swimming at least once due to high levels of E. coli and microcystin, an algal toxin. Specifically, swimming was discouraged at 15 state parks in the final monitoring week. An advisory is issued when E. coli levels exceed 235 colony-forming units (CFUs) per 100 ml or if the average of five samples over 30 days exceeds 126 CFUs. Notably, some beaches reached E. coli concentrations of 24,000 per 100 ml.
Microcystin levels exceeding 8 micrograms per liter also triggered advisories, and this summer saw more beaches affected by poor water quality compared to the previous year. The Iowa Environmental Council noted that 16 beaches had no swimming advisories in 2024, while only three beaches had consistent advisories this summer.
In response to water quality issues, the Driftless Water Defender group launched the Clean Water Dialogue Project, encouraging public engagement on water conditions. A final event for the 48 Lakes Initiative is set for September 1 at Backbone State Park, emphasizing the need for improved water quality management in Iowa. The initiative highlights challenges related to agricultural runoff affecting water quality.
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