Is Lake Mendota Safe for Swimming?
Lake Mendota in Dane County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity: 5 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 50.2 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | C (Fair) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5 ft |
| Phosphorus | 50.2 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 83 ft |
| Location | Dane County, Wisconsin |
How does Lake Mendota compare?
With an overall water quality grade of C, Lake Mendota matches or beats the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #5 of 21 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.