March 29, 2024

Runoff into Raccoon River causes E. coli spike at lake

DES MOINES — Officials have closed a Des Moines lake to swimming after water samples showed high levels of E. coli. Workers posted signs Thursday at the Gray’s Lake beach after testing showed E. coli levels four times above the safe beach threshold set the by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The spike in E. coli levels was due to runoff into the Raccoon River, which feeds the lake.

Fletcher says such elevated levels happen about once a year. The beach could open within a week, but that depends on weather conditions.

The Gray’s Lake swimming area opened about two weeks ago.