Is Izaak Walton Lake Safe for Swimming?
Izaak Walton Lake in Vernon County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of F (Very Poor). Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins. Water clarity: 1.5 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 280 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 123.1 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | F (Very Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.5 ft |
| Phosphorus | 280 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 123.1 μg/L |
| Location | Vernon County, Wisconsin |
How does Izaak Walton Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of F, Izaak Walton Lake falls below the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #1 of 1 lakes in Vernon County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 1.5 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 123.1 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.