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OTTUMWA,IOWA -- Rivers in southeast Iowa aren't as safe as you might think.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Fox, Chariton, and Des Moines Rivers are on the states 2010 Impaired Waters list.

Researchers found higher levels of bacteria, ammonia, pesticides, and toxic metals. The higher amounts exceed the departments designated water standards.

The lower Des Moines River also has a high fish kill problem. Officials aren't yet sure what the reason is, but say it could be from higher ammonia levels, high temperatures for the fish, or low flow.

Department of Natural Resources Environmental Specialist  none of this is harmful to humans, but it is something they would like to fix.

"In most cases we're not talking about severe gross pollution type things. Just warnings that we need to be aware of the problems that are out there."

Olson says more research and testing must be done before taking measures to clean the water.