What is the water clarity of North Turtle Lake?

North Turtle Lake has a Secchi depth (water clarity) of 4 feet. That is moderate clarity, typical of lakes with some nutrient enrichment.

Does North Turtle Lake have an algae problem?

North Turtle Lake has a chlorophyll-a (algae) level of 22 µg/L. That is elevated — visible blooms are possible during warm, calm weather.

How Clean Is North Turtle Lake?

Q: Is North Turtle Lake polluted?

North Turtle 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.

North Turtle Lake is nutrient-rich, with elevated phosphorus and algae. Its nutrient and algae readings come from EPA monitoring data. Water clarity (Secchi depth): 4 ft. Phosphorus: 54.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 22 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 60.

Cleanliness Snapshot

Metric	North Turtle Lake	Minnesota avg
Water Clarity (Secchi)	4 ft	—
Phosphorus	54.5 µg/L	<30 = clean
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	22 µg/L	<10 = clean
Trophic State Index	60	<50 = clean

How does North Turtle Lake compare?

North Turtle Lake's readings run above the Minnesota state average. It ranks #64 of 66 lakes in Otter Tail County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is improving based on 5 years of records.

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