Is Balsam Lake Safe for Swimming?
Balsam Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of B (Good). Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels. Water clarity: 13 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 23.4 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | B (Good) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 13 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 B, Balsam Lake matches or beats the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #24 of 73 lakes in Polk County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 13 feet. That counts as exceptional clarity — sunlight penetrates deep, supporting submerged plants and limiting algae.