What is the water quality grade for Heron Lake Shallow?

Heron Lake Shallow in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico received a water quality grade of B (Good). Water clarity: 2.5 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 32 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 2.1 µg/L.

Is Heron Lake Shallow safe to swim in?

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels. Heron Lake Shallow has an overall water quality grade of B. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 2.1 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Heron Lake Shallow

Grade BGood · 2.5 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Heron Lake Shallow is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 15 other monitored lakes in Rio Arriba County, Heron Lake Shallow ranks #9 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, New Mexico DNR, last sampled 2024-09-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

Very murky, less than 2.5 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 32 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 2.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	2.5 ft	F
Phosphorus	32 µg/L	C
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	2.1 µg/L	A
Trophic State Index (TSI)	52	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Heron Lake Shallow

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