What is the water clarity of Clear Lake?

Clear Lake has a Secchi depth (water clarity) of 3 feet. That is moderate clarity, typical of lakes with some nutrient enrichment.

Does Clear Lake have an algae problem?

Clear Lake has a chlorophyll-a (algae) level of 78.8 µg/L. That is high — the lake is at meaningful risk of harmful algal bloom advisories in summer.

How Clean Is Clear Lake?

Q: Is Clear Lake polluted?

Clear 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.

Clear 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): 3 ft. Phosphorus: 141.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 78.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 70.

Cleanliness Snapshot

Metric	Clear Lake	Minnesota avg
Water Clarity (Secchi)	3 ft	—
Phosphorus	141.5 µg/L	<30 = clean
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	78.8 µg/L	<10 = clean
Trophic State Index	70	<50 = clean

How does Clear Lake compare?

Clear Lake's readings run above the Minnesota state average. It ranks #14 of 19 lakes in Meeker County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is declining based on 6 years of records.

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More on Clear Lake

Is Clear Lake safe for swimming? →What fish are in Clear Lake? →Is Clear Lake polluted? →When Does Clear Lake Freeze? Typical Ice-In Nov 28, Ice-Out Apr 7 →Full water quality report →Meeker County lakes →Cleanest lakes in Meeker County →Cleanest lakes in Minnesota →