Is Belcher Branch Lake Safe for Swimming?
Belcher Branch Lake in Buchanan County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 1 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 44 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 44.9 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1 ft |
| Phosphorus | 44 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 44.9 μg/L |
| Location | Buchanan County, Wisconsin |
How does Belcher Branch Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Belcher Branch Lake falls below the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #1 of 1 lakes in Buchanan County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 1 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 44.9 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.