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LakeQuality

Is Upper Red Lake: Central Safe for Swimming?

Upper Red Lake: Central in Beltrami County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 2 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 41 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 13.2 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Key Metrics

MetricValue
Overall GradeD (Poor)
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)2 ft
Phosphorus41 μg/L
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)13.2 μg/L
Maximum Depth15 ft
LocationBeltrami County, Minnesota

How does Upper Red Lake: Central compare?

With an overall water quality grade of D, Upper Red Lake: Central falls below the Minnesota state average of Grade C. It ranks #85 of 85 lakes in Beltrami County by water quality score.

Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 2 feet. That signals heavy algae or sediment, often tied to high phosphorus from runoff. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 13.2 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.