What is the water quality grade for Eastern Stump Lake?

Eastern Stump Lake in Nelson County, North Dakota received a water quality grade of F (Very Poor). Water clarity: 4.7 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 142 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 39.1 µg/L.

Is Eastern Stump Lake safe to swim in?

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins. Eastern Stump Lake has an overall water quality grade of F. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 39.1 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Nelson County, North Dakota

Eastern Stump Lake

Grade FVery Poor · 4.7 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Eastern Stump Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Nelson County, North Dakota. Water quality is graded F based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Nelson County, Eastern Stump Lake ranks #8 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-10-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins

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Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor

Murky, only visible to about 4.7 ft. Phosphorus level: 142 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 39.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 66.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	4.7 ft	D
Phosphorus	142 µg/L	F
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	39.1 µg/L	F
Trophic State Index (TSI)	66	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Eastern Stump Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Eastern Stump Lake in Nelson County, North Dakota — 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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Fishing Eastern Stump Lake

→ Eastern Stump Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)

Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining

Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	↓ Declining	-5.18 m/yr	5
Phosphorus	↓ Declining	+30.25 µg/L/yr	4
Chlorophyll-a	↑ Improving	-8.44 µg/L/yr	4

See year-by-year chart →

Recreation & Access

Boat Landings

Yes

Public Access

Current Conditions

1451.27 ft

Water Elevation

Latest reading Jul 6, 2026, 4:15 AM from USGS gauge 05056665. See live data ↗ — readings update every 15–60 minutes; this page refreshes on each build.

Water Temperature

Eastern Stump Lake averages about 58°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Sep (about 66°F) and coldest in Jan (about 33°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.