Is Lower Hay Lake Safe for Swimming?
Lower Hay Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of A (Excellent). Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae. Water clarity: 18.5 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 13 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 2.7 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | A (Excellent) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 18.5 ft |
| Phosphorus | 13 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 2.7 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 100 ft |
| Location | Crow Wing County, Minnesota |
How does Lower Hay Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of A, Lower Hay Lake matches or beats the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #3 of 85 lakes in Crow Wing County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 18.5 feet. That counts as exceptional clarity — sunlight penetrates deep, supporting submerged plants and limiting algae. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 2.7 µg/L — low and well within safe swimming guidelines.