Is Brushy Creek Lake Polluted?
Yes — Brushy Creek Lake in Webster County, Iowa is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2024 assessment cycle). It is cited for Pathogens (E. coli, fecal). A formal cleanup plan — a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) — has been written. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's A–F water-quality grade: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Listed impaired |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Completed |
| Assessment cycle | 2024 |
| EPA IR category | 4A |
| Location | Webster County, Iowa |
Pollutants Cited
- Pathogens (E. coli, fecal) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: ESCHERICHIA COLI (E. COLI).
What this means for using Brushy Creek Lake
Because Brushy Creek Lake is listed for Pathogens (E. coli, fecal), swimming can be affected — check for posted beach advisories, especially after heavy rain or during visible algae. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. Brushy Creek Lake carries an overall water-quality grade of F, with algae (chlorophyll-a) at 44.5 µg/L and phosphorus at 54.5 µg/L — see the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Watch Brushy Creek Lake water quality
Get an email when the grade, clarity, or algae reading changes. Unsubscribe anytime.