Watauga County Lake Quality
North Carolina, 3 lakes, average grade B (Good)
Watauga 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. With an average grade of B, Watauga County sits comfortably above the {{stateName}} median.
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 Buckeye Lake (B); the most-stressed is Blowing Rock Town Pond (B).
Quick Answers for Watauga County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Buckeye Lake — or check the official North Carolina fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Watauga County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buckeye Lake | B | 7.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Asu Lake | B | 12.3 ft | - |
| 3 | Blowing Rock Town Pond | B | 11.6 ft | - |
Other Counties in North Carolina
See how Watauga County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 12 states.
Where to stay near Watauga County
Top-rated places to stay near Watauga 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 Watauga County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Watauga County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.