Is Forest Lake Safe for Swimming?
Forest Lake in Washington County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 5.1 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 28 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 16.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.1 ft |
| Phosphorus | 28 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 16.5 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 37 ft |
| Location | Washington County, Minnesota |
How does Forest Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Forest Lake falls below the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #54 of 75 lakes in Washington County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 5.1 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 16.5 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.