No swimming at Terry Trueblood in Iowa City because of bacteria in lake

The lake also was closed to swimming part of last summer

May. 22, 2023 5:26 pm

The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is seen July 14, 2016, in an aerial photograph in Iowa City. (The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Swimming is off limits — at least for now --- at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City because of high bacteria levels in the lake.

Iowa City’s regular water tests of Sand Lake, the centerpiece of Trueblood Park, showed E. coli levels above the safe standard for swimming, according to a news release Monday.

It’s the second year in a row bacteria has closed the lake for swimming. In 2022, the no-swim advisory lasted for weeks starting in mid-June. Staff at that time said they did not remember another summer in which the lake’s bacteria count triggered a warning.

Sand Lake is a popular spot for kayak and paddleboard rental, which may continue at the user’s discretion.

E. coli is an indicator for fecal material that can carry parasites or other pathogens that sicken swimmers. It can come from geese, humans or agricultural runoff.

The bacteria standard for safe recreational waters in Iowa is based on two components: a one-time maximum standard based on a single sample and a geometric mean of five samples in a 30-day period.

The swim advisory will be in effect until the conditions approve. Check for updates at icgov.org/ParksandTrails.

Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com