Is Devils Lake Safe for Swimming?
Devils Lake in Benson County, North Dakota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity: 3.7 ft visibility. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 13.9 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | C (Fair) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.7 ft |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 13.9 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 58.1 ft |
| Location | Benson County, North Dakota |
How does Devils Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of C, Devils Lake matches or beats the North Dakota state average of Grade C. It ranks #4 of 4 lakes in Benson County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 3.7 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 13.9 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.