Recent weather is linked to high bacteria levels in Lake Darling. Swimming is not advised due to the blue-green algae and high levels of E. Coli recorded when the lake was tested last week.

Chad Dolan is the Iowa DNR fisheries biologist stationed at Lake Darling. According to Dolan, the algae could make you itchy, but the public shouldn’t be overly concerned about getting sick.

Dolan says excess nutrients coupled with abundant sunshine led to the growth of the algae. He explains sediment retention ponds, traps and terraces in Lake Darling’s 12,500 acre watershed reached capacity during recent heavy rain events, allowing a large amount of nutrients to reach the lake. He adds prior to the lake’s renovation, when methods of collecting nutrients were not in place, these swimming advisories were a recurring problem during the summer months.

With dryer weather in the forecast, Dolan expects the lake’s current problem to resolve itself as early as next week. Listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa for more information.