Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake
Bay County, FloridaLimited DataMesotrophic
Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Bay County, Florida. Water quality is graded B based on 1 sampling years through 2025. Compared to the 37 other monitored lakes in Bay County, Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake ranks #7 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2025-08-22. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 46.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.5 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 46 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #7 of 38 lakes in Bay County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake holds Grade B. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
Nearby Lakes in Bay County
More Florida Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Florida
Brevard County · Clarity: 9.8 ft
Alachua County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Seminole County · Clarity: 5 ft
Marion County · Clarity: 7 ft
Hillsborough County · Clarity: 6 ft
Walton County · Clarity: 4 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Florida
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
3 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 3 classified by the EPA as major dischargers. 3 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Millville Awt FacilityPanama City · 1.1 mi away · NPDES FL0170909MajorRecent violation
- Military Point Regional Awt FacilityPanama City · 1.5 mi away · NPDES FL0167959MajorRecent violation
- Hollingshead Materials - Tafb LagoonPanama City · 1.5 mi away · NPDES FL0002631MajorRecent violation
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-08-22
Monitoring stations: 1
Where to stay near Bay-Watson-Bayou Lake
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