What is the water clarity of Washington Lake?

Washington Lake has a Secchi depth (water clarity) of 4.5 feet. That is moderate clarity, typical of lakes with some nutrient enrichment.

Does Washington Lake have an algae problem?

Washington Lake has a chlorophyll-a (algae) level of 51.3 µg/L. That is high — the lake is at meaningful risk of harmful algal bloom advisories in summer.

How Clean Is Washington Lake?

Q: Is Washington Lake polluted?

Washington 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.

Washington 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): 4.5 ft. Phosphorus: 122 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 51.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 66.

Cleanliness Snapshot

Metric	Washington Lake	Minnesota avg
Water Clarity (Secchi)	4.5 ft	—
Phosphorus	122 µg/L	<30 = clean
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	51.3 µg/L	<10 = clean
Trophic State Index	66	<50 = clean

How does Washington Lake compare?

Washington Lake's readings run above the Minnesota state average. It ranks #8 of 13 lakes in Le Sueur County by water quality score. Multi-year monitoring data shows water quality is declining based on 6 years of records.

Watch Washington Lake water quality

Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.

More on Washington Lake

Is Washington Lake safe for swimming? →What fish are in Washington Lake? →Is Washington Lake polluted? →When Does Washington Lake Freeze? Typical Ice-In Nov 30, Ice-Out Apr 4 →Full water quality report →Le Sueur County lakes →Cleanest lakes in Le Sueur County →Cleanest lakes in Minnesota →