With increased levels of E. Coli at Lake Darling, swimming is not recommended at this time. In an effort to protect the well being of those who want to enjoy Iowa’s beaches, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducts water quality tests regularly to test bacteria levels in the waters. The DNR conducts five tests in a 30-day period to see whether or not it is safe for recreational use, and in their latest tests of Lake Darling, it was not recommended for swimming. The lake’s most recent test came back showing 540 colony forming units of E. coli bacteria per 100 milliliters of water when the standard is 235 colony forming units of E. Coli for a single test. This restriction will remain in place until bacteria levels drop below the water quality standard. Lake Darling officials currently do not have a timeline of when swimming at the lake will resume.