Box Butte Reservoir is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Dawes County, Nebraska. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Dawes County, Box Butte Reservoir ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Nebraska DNR, last sampled 2024-09-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Box Butte Reservoir water quality
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Murky, only visible to about 5.6 ft. Phosphorus level: 51.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.6 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 51.5 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.5 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Box Butte Reservoir
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Fishing Box Butte Reservoir
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 3 lakes in Dawes County
Nearby Lakes in Dawes County
Explore Box Butte Reservoir across LakeGrade
More Nebraska Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Nebraska
Eutrophic Lakes in Nebraska
More records, surveys & data sources
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-09-25
Monitoring stations: 3