Is Pine Lake South Beach Polluted?
Yes — Pine Lake South Beach in Hardin County, Iowa is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2024 assessment cycle). It is cited for Algal growth, Pathogens (E. coli, fecal). A formal cleanup plan — a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) — has been written. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's A–F water-quality grade: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Yes |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Completed |
| Assessment cycle | 2024 |
| EPA IR category | 5 |
| Location | Hardin County, Iowa |
Pollutants Cited
- Algal growth — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- Pathogens (E. coli, fecal) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: CHLOROPHYLL-A, ESCHERICHIA COLI (E. COLI), EXCESS ALGAL GROWTH.
What this means for using Pine Lake South Beach
Because Pine Lake South Beach is listed for Pathogens (E. coli, fecal), swimming can be affected — check for posted beach advisories, especially after heavy rain or during visible algae. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. Pine Lake South Beach carries an overall water-quality grade of F — see the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.