Is Sauk Lake Safe for Swimming?
Sauk Lake in Stearns County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 3.9 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 52 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 22.3 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.9 ft |
| Phosphorus | 52 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 22.3 μg/L |
| Maximum Depth | 61 ft |
| Location | Stearns County, Minnesota |
How does Sauk Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Sauk Lake falls below the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #16 of 32 lakes in Stearns County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 3.9 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 22.3 µg/L — elevated; risk of harmful algal bloom advisories increases at this concentration.