The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa’s beaches are being closed in record number as a result of toxic blue-green algae blooms. More closures are expected before summer’s end, according to the story. The blooms are caused by high levels of nutrients — primarily phosphorus, but also nitrogen — along with warm temperatures. The issue is more prevalent on lakes than rivers and streams. While the problem has put the Des Moines Water Works on alert, it’s not threatening drinking water for its 500,000 customers according to the utility. >Read More