Is Big Mcdonald Lake Safe for Swimming?
Big Mcdonald Lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of A (Excellent). Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae. Water clarity: 16.4 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 11 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A (Excellent) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 16.4 ft |
| Phosphorus | 11 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 46 ft |
| Location | Otter Tail County, Minnesota |
How does Big Mcdonald Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of A, Big Mcdonald Lake matches or beats the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #7 of 97 lakes in Otter Tail County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 16.4 feet. That counts as exceptional clarity — sunlight penetrates deep, supporting submerged plants and limiting algae.