Manatee County Lake Quality
Florida, 8 lakes, measured by Florida DEP
Manatee County has 8 monitored lakes — a thin enough sample that one or two stressed lakes can move the county average noticeably. Use the per-lake pages below for what actually matters. 1 of those lake carry recent nutrient and algae readings. The county-level summary describes that subset, not every water body listed. Phosphorus and algae readings vary widely across Manatee County; the per-lake pages below carry the numbers.
Most of the county's monitored lakes are shallow, under 50 feet, which means wind keeps the water column mixed all summer and sediment-bound phosphorus releases back into the surface layer whenever the bottom is disturbed. Manatee-Ward Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings in the county.
Where to stay near Manatee County
Top-rated places to stay near Manatee County
Prices for Oct 16–18, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Manatee County?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Manatee County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Quick Answers for Manatee County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Manatee-Ward Lake — or check the official Florida fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Manatee County
8 lakes · 1 ranked on readings, 7 without enough sampling1 lake ranked on readings · 7 without enough sampling, hidden
| # | Lake | Clarity | Phosphorus | Algae | Trophic | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manatee-Ward LakeManatee | 3.3 ft | 155 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| Manatee-Tojo LakeManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| Lake ManateeManatee | 3.3 ft | 330 µg/L | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| Lake UihleinManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Ward LakeManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| Warner East BayouManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | ✓ Public | |
| Warner West BayouManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Moses HoleManatee | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | No recent samples | Not recorded |
NR = no nutrient or algae reading on record. The measurements are published as the authority reports them. Where the data comes from.
Lake Match
Which lake suits how you actually use one?
Six questions — swimming, fishing, quiet, cabins, drive time — and a shortlist of lakes that fit, with the water quality behind each one.
Other Counties in Florida
Browse every Florida lake, or the full directory of lakes across all United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs..
Source: the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. See data sources.