How Clean Is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is among the cleanest lakes in Minnesota. It received a water quality grade of A (Excellent) based on EPA monitoring data. Water clarity (Secchi depth): 15 ft. Phosphorus: 13 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 4.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 41.
Cleanliness Snapshot
| Metric | Clear Lake | Minnesota avg |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A | C |
| Water Clarity (Secchi) | 15 ft | — |
| Phosphorus | 13 µg/L | <30 = clean |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.3 µg/L | <10 = clean |
| Trophic State Index | 41 | <50 = clean |
How does Clear Lake compare?
Clear Lake's grade of A matches or beats the Minnesota state average of C. It ranks #2 of 18 lakes in Aitkin County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is declining based on 6 years of records.