While Lake Darling has recovered from it’s higher levels of E. Coli, one environmental specialist warns individuals of the potential risks of high E. Coli levels at Iowa’s lakes. The swimming restrictions at Lake Darling have been lifted. Further tests at Lake Darling have resulted in lower E. Coli levels, from 540 colony forming units per 100 milliliters to 31 units per 100 milliliters. 

Iowa DNR Environmental Specialist Senior Daniel Kendall says higher E. Coli levels can affect younger children and older adults who are more susceptible to infection and sickness. Ingesting the water with high E.Coli levels can lead to intestinal issues, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and chills. Kendall tells KCII News some ways individuals can stay safe while enjoying lakes, ”I would say the biggest thing is don’t drink the water. It’s never safe to drink untreated water. There’s a lot of other things in the system that you can get, parasites and things like that, that are of bigger concern. As the numbers come up I would say wading in the water and things like that are fine, just wash off when you are done, like you would do anything else. Be aware of what the water conditions are. If it rained heavily that day or the day before, it might not be the best time to go out to the beach because the numbers are going to be high right after that.” 

Kendall says these higher levels of E. Coli and other bacteria can be caused by many things, such as goose droppings being washed into the water and rain events, but do normally rise and lower over time.