(KIWA Staff Photo)
Okoboji, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Swimming is once again not being recommended at one of the Iowa Great Lakes’ most popular beaches because of elevated bacteria levels.
The latest beach-monitoring report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows water samples collected at Emerson Bay, on the west side of West Lake Okoboji, tested above the state’s recommended threshold for E. coli bacteria.
High levels of E. coli can increase the risk of illness, particularly if contaminated water is swallowed. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Other Area Beaches Remain Open
The DNR says water quality at several other area beaches was found to be satisfactory for swimming, including:
- Crandall’s Beach
- Ainsworth Beach
- Triboji Beach
- Pikes Point Beach
- Gull Point Beach
The DNR continues to monitor water quality at beaches across the state throughout the summer and updates its swimming recommendations as new test results become available.
