Iowa's Beaches: Healthy and Fun for All

Iowa's public beaches are a source of fun for everyone and deliver millions of tourism dollars to communities around the state. Our beaches are threatened by increasing bacterial pollution and nutrient loading, which contributes to harmful algal blooms (HABs) that can create dangerous toxins. 

Bacteria and algae can lead to recreational advisories, and sometimes drinking water advisories, that make it impossible to enjoy our beaches and threaten tourism dollars for many communities.  Learn more about the benefits, impacts, and concerns below.

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The Iowa DNR monitors 39 public beaches during the swim season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and posts advisories each Friday. Learn more about what they're looking for.	The Iowa DNR monitors 39 public beaches during the swim season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and posts advisories each Friday. Learn more about what they're looking for.
The Iowa DNR monitors 39 public beaches during the swim season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and posts advisories each Friday. Learn more about what they're looking for.	The Iowa DNR monitors 39 public beaches during the swim season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and posts advisories each Friday. Learn more about what they're looking for.

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Our team has tracked the DNR’s beach monitoring data back to the start of the monitoring program in 2006. View the compilation of our data.

IEC's water watch efforts are made possible through your generous support. Please consider a donation to help us continue this important work. Thank you!