What is the water clarity of Cedar Lake?

Cedar Lake has a Secchi depth (water clarity) of 2 feet. That is poor clarity, indicating heavy algae or sediment.

Does Cedar Lake have an algae problem?

Cedar Lake has a chlorophyll-a (algae) level of 72.6 µg/L. That is high — the lake is at meaningful risk of harmful algal bloom advisories in summer.

How Clean Is Cedar Lake?

Q: Is Cedar Lake polluted?

Cedar Lake shows pollution indicators consistent with nutrient over-enrichment (typically phosphorus from agricultural runoff, fertilizer, or failing septic systems). Its has nutrient and algae measurements on record from state and federal monitoring, reflecting elevated nutrient and algae levels.

Cedar 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 ft. Phosphorus: 91 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 72.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 70.

Cleanliness Snapshot

Metric	Cedar Lake	Minnesota avg
Water Clarity (Secchi)	2 ft	—
Phosphorus	91 µg/L	<30 = clean
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	72.6 µg/L	<10 = clean
Trophic State Index	70	<50 = clean

How does Cedar Lake compare?

Cedar Lake's readings run above the Minnesota state average. It ranks #5 of 14 lakes in Rice County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is improving based on 6 years of records.

Watch Cedar Lake water quality

Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.

More on Cedar Lake

Is Cedar Lake safe for swimming? →What fish are in Cedar Lake? →Is Cedar Lake polluted? →When Does Cedar Lake Freeze? Typical Ice-In Nov 30, Ice-Out Apr 4 →Full water quality report →Rice County lakes →Cleanest lakes in Rice County →Cleanest lakes in Minnesota →