Central Mystic Lake
Central Mystic Lake in Scott County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Phosphorus: 33.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 9.5 µg/L.
- Typical in August
- 74°F
- Mean depth
- ~8 ft est.
- Type
- Eutrophic
- Trend
- ↑ Improving
- Public access
- No
Next lake in Scott County
Central Mystic Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Scott County, Minnesota with an estimated average depth of about 8 feet. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. No public access — the lake is private or restricted. Compared to the 20 other monitored lakes in Scott County, Central Mystic Lake ranks #6 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2024-10-24. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Grade onlyModerate
Based on clarity and algae grades from past sampling — we do not hold live water temperature and a current cyanobacteria reading for this lake. Check your state or county health department before you swim.
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C (Fair)
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 33.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 9.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No recent samples | |
| Phosphorus | 33.5 µg/L | Fair |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 9.5 µg/L | Fair |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Central Mystic Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Central Mystic Lake in Scott County, Minnesota — 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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Water Temperature
Central Mystic Lake typically sits around 74°F at the surface in August. Summer average is about 75°F. Usually warmest in Jul (about 77°F) and coldest in Mar (about 40°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 140 field readings (2017–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Central Mystic Lake water temperature breakdown →
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Depth | ~8 ft est. |
| Public Access | No |
Depth marked “est.” is a modeled estimate from HydroLAKES, not a measured survey. Minnesota has not published bathymetry for Central Mystic Lake.
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth here is modelled, not surveyed — HydroLAKES v1.0 estimates lake depth from surrounding terrain rather than from soundings. Treat it as an approximation, and prefer a state bathymetric survey where one exists.
Fishing Central Mystic Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -9 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↑ Improving | -1.91 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Central Mystic Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Trail Community MS4Prior Lake · 0.3 mi away · NPDES MN0067423Recent 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.
County Ranking
Ranked #6 of 21 lakes in Scott County
Nearby Lakes in Scott County
Frequently asked questions about Central Mystic Lake
What is the water quality grade for Central Mystic Lake?
- Central Mystic Lake in Scott County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Phosphorus: 33.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 9.5 µg/L.
Is Central Mystic Lake safe to swim in?
- Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Central Mystic Lake has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 9.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
What is the water temperature of Central Mystic Lake?
- Central Mystic Lake typically sits around 74°F at the surface in August, from 140 EPA Water Quality Portal field readings (2017–2024). That is a typical value for the month, not a live reading.
How deep is Central Mystic Lake?
- No published bathymetric survey covers Central Mystic Lake, so its depth has not been measured. The HydroLAKES global model estimates an average depth of about 8 feet, but that is a modelled estimate derived from surrounding terrain rather than a measurement on the water, so treat it as approximate.
Explore Central Mystic Lake across LakeGrade
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Where this data comes from
141 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2020–2024. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-02.
Collected and reported by
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota (Tribal)
SMSCGOV_WQX141 samples · 2020–2024
Analytical methods
- 4500 P ~ Phosphorus in water and wastewater
- 4500 P F ~ Phosphorus in Water by Colorimetry Automated Ascorbic Acid Method
- 10200 H ~ Chlorophyll a-b-c Determination
Monitoring station identifiers (1)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder