Highlands-Deer Lake
Highlands County, FloridaMesotrophic
Highlands-Deer Lake is a mesotrophic lake in Highlands County, Florida. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2020. Compared to the 149 other monitored lakes in Highlands County, Highlands-Deer Lake ranks #48 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2020-02-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Highlands-Deer Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7 ft. Phosphorus level: 17 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 17 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #48 of 150 lakes in Highlands County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Highlands-Deer Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AHighlands-Verona LakeHighlands County · 1.6 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ALake VeronaHighlands County · 1.7 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BHighlands-Viola LakeHighlands County · 1.3 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- BHighlands-Pioneer LakeHighlands County · 1.5 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Highlands County
More Florida Lake Rankings
Other Grade B Lakes in Florida
Bay County · Clarity: 4 ft
Brevard County · Clarity: 9.8 ft
Alachua County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Seminole County · Clarity: 5 ft
Marion County · Clarity: 7 ft
Hillsborough County · Clarity: 6 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Florida
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
1 EPA-permitted facility operate within about 5 miles of Highlands-Deer Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Wabasso Road DairyAvon Park · 1.5 mi away · NPDES FLA013660Recent violation
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-02-25
Monitoring stations: 3
Where to stay near Highlands-Deer Lake
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