Ellis Lake is a 44-acre mesotrophic lake in Cortland County, New York. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2020. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Cortland County, Ellis Lake ranks #4 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, New York DNR, last sampled 2020-09-18. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7.8 ft. Trophic State Index: 48.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 48 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
Where to stay near Ellis Lake
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Fishing Ellis Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #4 of 4 lakes in Cortland County
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Explore Ellis Lake across LakeGrade
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Ellis Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Melody Lake Dam (completed 1902), built primarily for recreation on the TR-WILLET CREEK; stone-type dam, 26 ft tall and 120 ft long.
- Surface area
- 43.6 ac
- Normal storage
- 410 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 620 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 1.64 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- MELODY LAKE ASSOCIATION
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID NY00748 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-09-18
Monitoring stations: 1