What is the water quality grade for Buckhorn Dam Lake?

Buckhorn Dam Lake in Chatham County, North Carolina received a water quality grade of F (Very Poor). Water clarity: 2.3 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 100 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 31 µg/L.

Is Buckhorn Dam Lake safe to swim in?

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins. Buckhorn Dam Lake has an overall water quality grade of F. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 31 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Chatham County, North Carolina

Buckhorn Dam Lake

Grade FVery Poor · 2.3 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Buckhorn Dam Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Chatham County, North Carolina. Water quality is graded F based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Chatham County, Buckhorn Dam Lake ranks #7 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Carolina DNR, last sampled 2023-09-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins

Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor

Very murky, less than 2.3 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 100 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 31 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 67.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	2.3 ft	F
Phosphorus	100 µg/L	F
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	31 µg/L	F
Trophic State Index (TSI)	67	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Buckhorn Dam Lake

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