Is Big Creek Lake Safe for Swimming?
Big Creek Lake in Polk County, Iowa has a water quality grade of F (Algae-prone). Algae and nutrients are often high — check current advisories before swimming. Skip the water if you see scum or a paint-like bloom. Water clarity: 2.6 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 80 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 35.7 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | F (Algae-prone) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.6 ft |
| Phosphorus | 80 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 35.7 μg/L |
| Location | Polk County, Iowa |
How does Big Creek Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of F, Big Creek Lake falls below the Iowa state average of Grade D. It ranks #9 of 12 lakes in Polk County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 2.6 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 35.7 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.
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