What is the water clarity of High Island Lake?

High Island Lake has a Secchi depth (water clarity) of 2.1 feet. That is poor clarity, indicating heavy algae or sediment.

Does High Island Lake have an algae problem?

High Island Lake has a chlorophyll-a (algae) level of 14.6 µg/L. That is moderate — visible algae is possible but bloom risk is limited.

LakeQuality

How Clean Is High Island Lake?

Q: Is High Island Lake polluted?

High Island Lake shows pollution indicators consistent with nutrient over-enrichment (typically phosphorus from agricultural runoff, fertilizer, or failing septic systems). Its has a water quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich), reflecting elevated nutrient and algae levels.

High Island Lake is nutrient-rich, with elevated phosphorus and algae. It received a water quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich) based on EPA monitoring data. Water clarity (Secchi depth): 2.1 ft. Phosphorus: 180 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 14.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.

Cleanliness Snapshot

Metric	High Island Lake	Minnesota avg
Overall Grade	D	C
Water Clarity (Secchi)	2.1 ft	—
Phosphorus	180 µg/L	<30 = clean
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	14.6 µg/L	<10 = clean
Trophic State Index	68	<50 = clean

How does High Island Lake compare?

High Island Lake's grade of D falls below the Minnesota state average of C. It ranks #1 of 2 lakes in Sibley County by water quality score.

More on High Island Lake

Is High Island Lake safe for swimming? →What fish are in High Island Lake? →Is High Island Lake polluted? →When Does High Island Lake Freeze? Typical Ice-In Nov 27, Ice-Out Apr 3 →Full water quality report →Sibley County lakes →Cleanest lakes in Sibley County →Cleanest lakes in Minnesota →