Otero County Lake Quality
New Mexico, 6 lakes, average grade B (Good)
Otero County has 6 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, Otero 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 Mescalero Lake Deep (B); the most-stressed is Silver Lake Deep (B).
Quick Answers for Otero County
Planning a trip? Check special fishing regulations for Mescalero Lake Deep — or check the official New Mexico fishing regulations.
All Lakes in Otero County
| Rank | Lake | Grade | Clarity | Phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mescalero Lake Deep | B | - | 50 µg/L |
| 2 | Mescalero Lake Shallow | B | - | 55 µg/L |
| 3 | Silver Lake Shallow | B | - | 50 µg/L |
| 4 | Silver Lake Deep | B | - | 80 µg/L |
Other Counties in New Mexico
See how Otero County stacks up in the national county water-quality rankings, or browse the full directory of graded lakes across all 34 states.
Where to stay near Otero County
Top-rated places to stay near Otero 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 Otero County?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Otero County — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.