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D

Culvert on Lake Helen

Portage County, WisconsinLimited DataEutrophic

Culvert on Lake Helen earns a D — measurements through 2023 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

At a TSI of 69, Culvert on Lake Helen reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Within the 28 graded lakes of Portage County, Culvert on Lake Helen sits at rank 28, near the bottom of the county list.

Culvert on Lake Helen has no invasive species recorded in Wisconsin state databases as of 2023, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Culvert on Lake Helen, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Wisconsin DNR Surface Water, last sampled 2023-04-12. 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

No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 87.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 69.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)No data
Phosphorus87.1 µg/LD
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)69Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 7 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Improving+0.214 m/yr7
Phosphorus Improving-0.64 µg/L/yr6
See year-by-year chart →

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #28 of 28 lakes in Portage County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Culvert on Lake Helen holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

Nearby Lakes in Portage County

State Parks Near Culvert on Lake Helen

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2023-04-12

Monitoring stations: 1

Where to stay near Culvert on Lake Helen

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