Is Hawthorn Lake Safe for Swimming?
Hawthorn Lake in Mahaska County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 2.4 ft visibility. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 27.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.4 ft |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 27.5 μg/L |
| Location | Mahaska County, Wisconsin |
How does Hawthorn Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Hawthorn Lake matches or beats the Wisconsin state average of Grade D. It ranks #1 of 3 lakes in Mahaska County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 2.4 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 27.5 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.