Is Lake James Polluted?
Yes — Lake James in Steuben County, Indiana is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2024 assessment cycle). It is cited for Impaired biota (cause unknown), PCBs. No cleanup plan (TMDL) has been completed yet. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: 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 | Yes |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Not yet written |
| Assessment cycle | 2024 |
| EPA IR category | 5 |
| Uses not supported | Aquatic life, Fish consumption |
| EPA names this lake in the listing | Yes |
| Location | Steuben County, Indiana |
Pollutants Cited
- Impaired biota (cause unknown) — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- PCBs — Polychlorinated biphenyls are legacy industrial pollutants that persist in sediment and bioaccumulate in fish. Like mercury, PCB listings drive fish-consumption advisories.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: Biological Integrity, PCBs in Fish Tissue.
What this means for using Lake James
Lake James's listing is driven by contaminants that build up in fish (PCBs), so the practical impact is on eating the fish, not on swimming. Follow the state fish-consumption advisory for Indiana. 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. Lake James measures algae (chlorophyll-a) at 2 µg/L and phosphorus at 21 µg/L. See the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near Lake James
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Lake James in Steuben County, Indiana. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake James
Prices for Oct 2–4, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Lake James?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Lake James — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Lake James water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.