What is the water quality grade for Back Bay Waiskey River Lake?

Back Bay Waiskey River Lake in Chippewa County, Michigan received a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 2.9 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 25 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 14.5 µg/L.

Is Back Bay Waiskey River Lake safe to swim in?

Based on E. coli testing, Back Bay Waiskey River Lake routinely exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 28.6% of 7 samples across 4 seasons. That works out to a bacteria swim-safety grade of F — a historical summary of past testing, not a current reading. Back Bay Waiskey River Lake also has an overall water quality grade of C. Bacteria levels can spike quickly after heavy rain, so always check Michigan's current beach and health-department advisories before you swim.

Chippewa County, Michigan

Back Bay Waiskey River Lake

Grade CFair · 2.9 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Back Bay Waiskey River Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Chippewa County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 3 sampling years through 2022. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 17 other monitored lakes in Chippewa County, Back Bay Waiskey River Lake ranks #15 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2022-10-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Bacteria swim-safety grade: F

from E. coli testing · 7 samples, 4 seasons

Based on E. coli testing, Back Bay Waiskey River Lake routinely exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 28.6% of 7 samples across 4 seasons.

This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Michigan’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Very murky, less than 2.9 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 25 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 14.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 56.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	2.9 ft	F
Phosphorus	25 µg/L	B
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	14.5 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	56	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Back Bay Waiskey River Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Back Bay Waiskey River Lake in Chippewa County, Michigan — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.

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Fishing Back Bay Waiskey River Lake

→ Back Bay Waiskey River Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining

Based on 6 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	→ Stable	+0.009 m/yr	5
Phosphorus	↓ Declining	+2.44 µg/L/yr	5
Chlorophyll-a	↓ Declining	+21.75 µg/L/yr	3

See year-by-year chart →

Recreation & Access

Boat Landings

Yes

Public Access

Water Temperature

Back Bay Waiskey River Lake averages about 66°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 70°F) and coldest in Feb (about 32°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.