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(Iowa) -- As many state beaches open for Memorial Day weekend, four Iowa beaches are currently not recommended for swimming due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tested 41 state beaches and found that the following exceeded the state’s water quality standards:
- Nine Eagles Beach
- Backbone Beach
- Blackhawk Beach
- Beeds Lake Beach
While E. coli is commonly found in lakes and rivers, levels above the standard increase the likelihood of swimmers becoming sick. According to the DNR, high levels of this bacteria indicate that the water has likely come into contact with fecal matter, which may contain disease-causing microorganisms.
The DNR will continue to monitor water quality and test for bacteria in Iowa’s lakes and rivers throughout the summer.
More information is available on the Iowa DNR website.