Berrien County Lake Quality
Michigan, 3 lakes, average grade F (Very Poor)
Berrien County has 3 graded 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. The county average is F — the most-stressed bracket in our rubric. Most monitored lakes here show persistent nutrient loading and algal pressure.
The county's lakes lean shallow, which makes the grades sensitive to wind, sediment-resuspension, and any nutrient inputs from the watershed. The cleanest lake on the books is Little Paw Paw Lake (D); the most-stressed is Little Paw Paw Lake West Central Basin; Coloma Township (F).
Quick Answers for Berrien County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Little Paw Paw Lake, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or check the official Michigan fishing regulations.
Fishing in Berrien County
All Lakes in Berrien County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Paw Paw Lake | D | 5 ft | - |
| 2 | Little Paw Paw Lake West Central Basin; Coloma Township | F | 3 ft | - |
| 3 | Little Paw Paw Lake | F | 3 ft | - |
Other Counties in Michigan
See how Berrien County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 15 states.
Where to stay near Berrien County
Top-rated places to stay near Berrien County
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 Berrien County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Berrien County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.