What is the water quality grade for Hales Ford Lake?

Hales Ford Lake in Franklin County, Virginia received a water quality grade of B (Good). Water clarity: 4.9 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 8.8 µg/L.

Is Hales Ford Lake safe to swim in?

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels. Hales Ford Lake has an overall water quality grade of B. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 8.8 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Franklin County, Virginia

Hales Ford Lake

Grade BGood · 4.9 ft clarity

Find places to stay →

Eutrophic

Hales Ford Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Franklin County, Virginia. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2026. Compared to the 13 other monitored lakes in Franklin County, Hales Ford Lake ranks #11 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Virginia DNR, last sampled 2026-06-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Watch Hales Ford Lake water quality

Subscribe for LakeQuality updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

Murky, only visible to about 4.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 8.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	4.9 ft	D
Phosphorus	20 µg/L	B
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	8.8 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	51	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Hales Ford Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Hales Ford Lake in Franklin County, Virginia — 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.

Top-rated places to stay near Hales Ford Lake