Bates County Lake Quality
Wisconsin, 1 lakes, average grade F (Very Poor)
Only 1 lakes in Bates County carry an active grade. The county-level summary is therefore representative of those specific lakes, not necessarily of every water body in the county. 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 Drexel City Reservoir South Nr. Dam (F); the most-stressed is Drexel City Reservoir South Nr. Dam (F).
Quick Answers for Bates County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Drexel City Reservoir South Nr. Dam, whether the fish are safe to eat, and the best times to fish — or browse the full Wisconsin regulations index.
All Lakes in Bates County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Max Depth | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drexel City Reservoir South Nr. Dam | F | 0.9 ft | - | 194 µg/L |
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.