Iowa Beaches See Record Swim Advisories
Amid a summer bacteria spike, Iowa beaches have seen a record number of swim advisories.
A 2025 Iowa State University study found that bare fields with fresh manure could send more nutrients and bacteria into waterways, exacerbating the issue.
The study found that cover crops cut soil carbon loss from erosion by 68 percent.
This suggests that without cover crops, loose soil and its accompanying nutrients and bacteria are more likely to wash into rivers and streams.
- Two thirds of Iowa's state park beaches were under "swimming not recommended" advisories in 2025 summer.
- This marks the highest rate of advisories in a decade, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' beach monitoring program.
Author's summary: Iowa beaches face pollution challenges amid harvest season.