Clay County Lake Quality
Missouri, 8 lakes, measured by Missouri DNR
Clay 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. 3 of those lakes carry recent nutrient and algae readings. The county-level summary describes that subset, not every water body listed. Most monitored lakes in Clay County are productive, shallow basins; each lake page shows its own phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings beside the EPA condition class.
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. Watkins Mill Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings in the county.
Where to stay near Clay County
Top-rated places to stay near Clay County
Prices for Oct 23–25, 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 Clay County?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Clay County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Quick Answers for Clay County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Watkins Mill Lake — or check the official Missouri fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Clay County
8 lakes · 3 ranked on readings, 5 without enough sampling3 lakes ranked on readings · 5 without enough sampling, hidden
| # | Lake | Clarity | Phosphorus | Algae | Trophic | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watkins Mill LakeClay | 3.2 ft | 39.2 µg/L | 17.7 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| 2 | Smithville Lake by DamClay | 3.3 ft | 37.7 µg/L | 25.4 µg/L | No recent samples | ✓ Public |
| 3 | Chaumiere Park LakeClay | No recent samples | 162.7 µg/L | 76.3 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded |
| Chaumiere LakeClay | 1.4 ft | 130 µg/L | 86 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Hamilton Heights Park LakeClay | No recent samples | 90.9 µg/L | 20.5 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Lakewood Greenway LakeClay | No recent samples | 91.5 µg/L | 24.2 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Englewood Park LakeClay | No recent samples | 141.8 µg/L | 50.5 µg/L | No recent samples | Not recorded | |
| Cooley LakeClay | 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 Missouri
Browse every Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Natural Resources. See data sources.