Is Little Spirit Lake Safe for Swimming?
Little Spirit Lake in Jackson County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 3.3 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 168 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 15 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.3 ft |
| Phosphorus | 168 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 15 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 8 ft |
| Location | Jackson County, Minnesota |
How does Little Spirit Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Little Spirit Lake falls below the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #3 of 7 lakes in Jackson County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 3.3 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 15 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.