Harris Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Wake County, North Carolina. Water quality is graded F based on 3 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 13 other monitored lakes in Wake County, Harris Lake ranks #12 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Carolina DNR, last sampled 2024-10-18. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
Very murky, less than 2.5 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 90 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 43 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 67.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.5 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 90 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 43 µg/L | F |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 67 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Fishing Harris Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #12 of 14 lakes in Wake County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Harris Lake holds Grade F. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CBass LakeWake County · 8.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- DApex ReservoirWake County · 12.4 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
- DLake WheelerWake County · 14.7 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
- DB E Jordan LakeChatham County · 10.6 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
- DRobeson Creek LakeChatham County · 11.5 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
Nearby Lakes in Wake County
Explore Harris Lake across LakeGrade
More North Carolina Lake Rankings
Top 25 by overall water quality score
Top 25 by Secchi water clarity
Grade A/B + low algae filter
Panfish-rich, public access
Full state directory
Other Grade F Lakes in North Carolina
Eutrophic Lakes in North Carolina
More records, surveys & data sources
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-10-18
Monitoring stations: 4