How Clean Is Big Creek Lake?
Big Creek Lake is algae-prone, with a higher bloom risk in warm months. Its nutrient and algae readings come from EPA monitoring data. Water clarity (Secchi depth): 2.6 ft. Phosphorus: 80 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 35.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 65.
Cleanliness Snapshot
| Metric | Big Creek Lake | Iowa avg |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi) | 2.6 ft | — |
| Phosphorus | 80 µg/L | <30 = clean |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 35.7 µg/L | <10 = clean |
| Trophic State Index | 65 | <50 = clean |
How does Big Creek Lake compare?
Big Creek Lake's readings run above the Iowa state average. It ranks #9 of 12 lakes in Polk County on nutrient and algae readings. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is improving based on 5 years of records.
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