The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has put out a list of 10 beaches you may want to avoid this weekend due to increased levels of E. coli. On the list are Black Hawk Beach in Sac County, Blue Lake Beach in Monona County, and North Twin Lake West Beach, in Calhoun County. Dan Kendall, an Environmental Specialist with the Iowa DNR, says they test the waters weekly at more than three dozen beaches across the state.
He says high levels of E. Coli in the water leads to higher cases of illness.
According to Kendall, there becomes a higher risk of possibly getting an illness, usually gastrointenstinal. As the numbers come up, the risk goes up.
Kendall said there are several factors that lead to elevated levels of E. coli and other bacteria in lake water, such as fecal matter from wildlife, like geese.
Tyler Brock with the Siouxland District Health Department says those with little ones and people with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions.
Brock says sometimes when you have little kids they’re just going to drink the water accidentally. There’s only so much you can do about it. So, be cautious with little kids when we have bacteria levels that are elevated like this. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be a little more prone to serious infection.
Brock says it is important to wash off and especially wash your hands after swimming to lessen exposure risk.
He also said it’s important to be informed about potential dangers when out swimming and not assume everywhere is safe.
Other lake beaches where the Iowa DNR has found elevated levels of E. coli are:
- Backbone Beach
- Beeds Lake Beach
- Bobwhite State Park
- Lake Darling Beach
- Nine Eagles Beach
- Pine Lake South Beach
- Union Grove Beach
