Is Mcdowell Dam Lake Safe for Swimming?
Mcdowell Dam Lake in Burleigh County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 1.6 ft visibility. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 10.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.6 ft |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 10.5 μg/L |
| Location | Burleigh County, Wisconsin |
How does Mcdowell Dam Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Mcdowell Dam Lake falls below the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #1 of 1 lakes in Burleigh County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 1.6 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 10.5 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.