Is Lake Laretta Safe for Swimming?
Lake Laretta in Nelson County, North Dakota has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 3.8 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 266 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 21.7 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.8 ft |
| Phosphorus | 266 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 21.7 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 24 ft |
| Location | Nelson County, North Dakota |
How does Lake Laretta compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Lake Laretta falls below the North Dakota state average of Grade C. It ranks #6 of 9 lakes in Nelson County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 3.8 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 21.7 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.