Cedar Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Randolph County, Missouri. Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2024. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Randolph County, Cedar Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2024-09-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 2.7 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 51.8 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 12.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 60.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.7 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 51.8 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 12.4 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 60 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Cedar Lake
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Fishing Cedar Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.57 m/yr | 2 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +46 µg/L/yr | 2 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +22.4 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Water Temperature
Cedar Lake averages about 83°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 86°F) and coldest in Apr (about 66°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 15 field readings (2023–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Cedar Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 7 lakes in Randolph County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Cedar Lake holds Grade D. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- COld ReservoirRandolph County · 2.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CRothwell LakeRandolph County · 2.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CThomas Hill Lake @ Hwy TMacon County · 19.3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Randolph County
Explore Cedar Lake across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Missouri
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
4 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Cedar Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 1 classified by the EPA as major discharger. 3 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Moberly WwtpMoberly · 3.6 mi away · NPDES MO0117960MajorRecent violation
- Moberly Correctional Center WwtfMoberly · 2.1 mi away · NPDES MO0053937Recent violation
- Renick WwtfRenick · 2.7 mi away · NPDES MO0104019Recent violation
- Moberly WwtpMoberly · 1.8 mi away · NPDES MO0028827
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: 2024-09-16
Monitoring stations: 1