How Clean Is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake has poor water quality, with elevated phosphorus and algae. It received a water quality grade of D (Poor) based on EPA monitoring data. Water clarity (Secchi depth): 7.9 ft. Phosphorus: 73.9 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 9.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 55.
Cleanliness Snapshot
| Metric | Medicine Lake | Minnesota avg |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D | C |
| Water Clarity (Secchi) | 7.9 ft | — |
| Phosphorus | 73.9 µg/L | <30 = clean |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 9.6 µg/L | <10 = clean |
| Trophic State Index | 55 | <50 = clean |
How does Medicine Lake compare?
Medicine Lake's grade of D falls below the Minnesota state average of C. It ranks #27 of 81 lakes in Hennepin County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is declining based on 6 years of records.