Fish Kills Blamed on High Heat, Lack of Rain

Hundreds of dead fish float in Swan Lake Tuesday, July 17, 2012 northwest of North Liberty. Swan Lake is very low due to the hot temperatures and a lack of rain. (Brian Ray/The Gazette-KCRG)

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By Kara Kelly

Story Created: Jul 31, 2012 at 10:29 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 31, 2012 at 11:37 AM CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials say fish kills blamed on high heat and the lack of rain have been reported across Iowa.

Hundreds of fish in the pond near West Des Moines City Hall died over the weekend, most likely from a lack of oxygen.

The weather was blamed for killing hundreds of fish in eastern Iowa's Swan Lake earlier this month.

Iowa Natural Resources Department spokesman Kevin Baskins says similar fish kills are being seen all across Iowa. Baskins says high water temperatures can stimulate algae growth and deplete the supply of oxygen for fish.

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