Is Watkins Mill Lake Safe for Swimming?
Watkins Mill Lake in Clay County, Wisconsin has a water quality grade of D (Poor). Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Water clarity: 3.2 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 41 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 18.2 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Grade | D (Poor) |
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.2 ft |
| Phosphorus | 41 μg/L |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 18.2 μg/L |
| Location | Clay County, Wisconsin |
How does Watkins Mill Lake compare?
With an overall water quality grade of D, Watkins Mill Lake falls below the Wisconsin state average of Grade C. It ranks #1 of 9 lakes in Clay County by water quality score.
Water clarity (Secchi depth) sits at 3.2 feet. That falls into moderate clarity — typical for lakes with some nutrient enrichment. Algae levels (chlorophyll-a) measure 18.2 µg/L — moderate; acceptable for swimming on most days, but worth checking advisories.