An Iowa lake has been named one of the 26 best lakes for swimming in the U.S. this summer, according to the Reader's Digest . But is it actually safe for swimming?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources monitors water quality at 39 state-owned swimming beaches each summer to monitor for unsafe levels of E. coli and toxic algae.

So, where does Iowa's so-called best lake fall on that list? Here's what we know.

Which Iowa lake made the 26 Best Lakes list?

Clear Lake, the Iowa town's namesake lake, was listed as one of the best lakes for a summer swim in 2025.

The Reader's Digest said the lake is "so accessible that anyone with a hankering for a quick dip needs only to stroll to one of the many public access points that line the shore and dive right in."

However, the Iowa DNR recentl

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