Families are returning to Lake Ahquabi for a day at the beach after years of closures and swimming advisories. The lake, located in central Iowa, has spent the past several years undergoing major changes, including renovations to park facilities and infrastructure.

Improvements and Challenges

After reopening in May 2024, the lake faced another challenge when elevated E. coli levels prompted the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to issue repeated ‘Swimming Not Recommended’ advisories throughout much of the 2024 swimming season. However, so far this summer, the warnings have been staved off, and weekly testing has not found E. coli bacteria or harmful algal toxins at levels that would trigger a swimming advisory.

Visitors are taking advantage of the improved conditions, with many families enjoying a day at the beach. ‘Today we’re just swimming and having some fun out on the lake and enjoying the nice weather,’ said beachgoer Evelyn Shawhan. Twila Stockwell noted that the beach offers an affordable way for families to spend an entire day together.

Water Quality Testing

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources monitors state park beaches weekly during the swimming season, which runs from around Memorial Day through Labor Day. A beach is placed under a ‘Swimming Not Recommended’ advisory when testing finds elevated E. coli bacteria or harmful algal toxins above state health thresholds.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.