Is Balsam Lake Safe for Swimming?
Balsam Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of A (Excellent). Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae. Water clarity: 42.7 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 23.4 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A (Excellent) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 42.7 ft |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 37 ft |
| Location | Polk County, Wisconsin |
How does Balsam Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of A, Balsam Lake matches or beats the Wisconsin state average of Grade B. It ranks #43 of 77 lakes in Polk County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 42.7 feet. That counts as exceptional clarity — sunlight penetrates deep, supporting submerged plants and limiting algae.