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LakeQuality
D

E. A. Patterson Lake

Stark County, WisconsinEutrophic

E. A. Patterson Lake is a 2,158-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Stark County, ND. Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Compared to the 2 other monitored lakes in Stark County, E. A. Patterson Lake ranks #3 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-07-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 5.3 ft. Phosphorus level: 262.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 15.9 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 65.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)5.3 ftD
Phosphorus262.5 µg/LF
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)15.9 µg/LC
Trophic State Index (TSI)65Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Surface Area2.2K acres

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #3 of 3 lakes in Stark County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

E. A. Patterson Lake holds Grade D. One nearby lake has a higher grade.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Stark County

Reservoir Info (USACE NID)

E. A. Patterson Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Dickinson Dam (completed 1950), built primarily for irrigation on the HEART RIVER; earth-type dam, 65 ft tall and 2,275 ft long.

Surface area
2,158 ac
Normal storage
8,612 ac-ft
Max storage
26,462 ac-ft
Drainage area
401.42 sq mi
Hazard class
High
Owner
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

All listed purposes: Irrigation;Water Supply.

Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00148 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.29 km)

EPA Impairment Status

E. A. Patterson Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2022 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).

Causes of impairment

Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen)Sediment / turbidityTurbidity

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit ND-10130202-002-L_00 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (2.7 km)

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2023-07-25

Monitoring stations: 1