Earl Lake Central Basin is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Livingston County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. Compared to the 19 other monitored lakes in Livingston County, Earl Lake Central Basin ranks #19 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2021-09-12. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5.5 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 13 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.5 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 13 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Earl Lake Central Basin
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Fishing Earl Lake Central Basin
Water Temperature
Earl Lake Central Basin averages about 69°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 71°F) and coldest in May (about 59°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 589 field readings (2010–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Earl Lake Central Basin water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #19 of 20 lakes in Livingston County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Earl Lake Central Basin holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AOre Lake West Basin; Hamburg TownshipLivingston County · 9.7 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BOneida Lake East Central BasinLivingston County · 9.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BBass LakeLivingston County · 10.3 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Livingston County
Explore Earl Lake Central Basin across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Livingston County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Genesee County · Clarity: 9 ft
Shiawassee County · Clarity: 5 ft
Shiawassee County · Clarity: 6 ft
Shiawassee County · Clarity: 8 ft
Washtenaw County · Clarity: 9 ft
Washtenaw County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Earl Lake Central Basin is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040802030104-08 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.15 km)
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
10 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Earl Lake Central Basin under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 2 classified by the EPA as major dischargers. 5 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Genoa-Oceola WwtpHowell · 1 mi away · NPDES MI0055654MajorRecent violation
- Howell WwtpHowell · 1.9 mi away · NPDES MI0021113MajorRecent violation
- Gould Electronics-Howell GwcuHowell · 1.2 mi away · NPDES MI0059987Recent violation
- Diamond Chrome Plating IncHowell · 1.9 mi away · NPDES MI0058204Recent violation
- Howell Twp WwtpHowell · 4.4 mi away · NPDES MI0055727Recent violation
- Livingston Cdc MS4Howell · 0.7 mi away · NPDES MI0060140
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
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2021-09-12
Monitoring stations: 1