Beaches

It is normal to find E. coli, a common bacteria, and other bacteria in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. However, when the bacteria levels are higher that what is found naturally, it could pose a health risk. Higher levels are frequently associated with heavy rains; however, there are a number of other sources that may contribute to elevated bacteria levels. This may occur from natural events such as water runoff after a storm or waste (feces) from wildlife, waterfowl, pets and farm animals. 

Swim Healthy, Stay Healthy

Missouri is rich with natural, uncontrolled bodies of water such as streams, lakes and ponds. All of these water bodies contain naturally occurring bacteria at certain levels and some may contain pollutants. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) indicates that if you practice healthy swimming habits, you can enjoy these bodies of water and reduce the potential for becoming ill. Learn more about tips to swim healthy, stay healthy on the DHSS Recreational Water Safety webpage.

Missouri State Park Swim Beaches

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources samples the water at all designated swimming beaches in the Missouri state park system on a weekly basis during the recreational season (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). The water samples are analyzed at our Jefferson City laboratory for E. coli, and the results are provided below.

As required in Missouri Revised Statues section 640.080, RSMo, if the geometric mean of the weekly water quality sample results exceeds the equivalent of 190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water (190 mpn/100 ml), the department will post signs at the swim beach, notifying visitors that swimming is not recommended. The sample results can help visitors decide whether a particular beach is suitable for swimming, based on the bacteria levels.

Missouri State Park Beach Status 

Click on the name of the state park beach you are interested in for beach status information and water quality data for that beach. Please note that the sample results provide a snapshot of the water quality at a specific location on the water body, on the date and time indicated in the "Sample Taken" field. The sample results may not provide accurate representation of the water quality throughout the entire body of water.