Is Lake Mendota Safe for Swimming?
Lake Mendota in Dane County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 5 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 65.4 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5 ft |
| Phosphorus | 65.4 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 83 ft |
| Location | Dane County, Wisconsin |
How does Lake Mendota compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Lake Mendota falls below the Wisconsin state average of Grade B. It ranks #9 of 15 lakes in Dane County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 5 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment.