Highlands-Josephine Center Lake
Highlands County, FloridaEutrophic
Highlands-Josephine Center Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Highlands County, Florida. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Compared to the 149 other monitored lakes in Highlands County, Highlands-Josephine Center Lake ranks #126 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2025-04-23. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Highlands-Josephine Center Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 1.8 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 61.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 66.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.8 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 61.5 µg/L | D |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 66 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #126 of 150 lakes in Highlands County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Highlands-Josephine Center Lake holds Grade D. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AHighlands-Lynn LakeHighlands County · 2.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- ALake_lynnHighlands County · 2.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- CHighlands-Persimmon LakeHighlands County · 3.5 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- DHighlands-Josephine East LakeHighlands County · 1 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Highlands County
More Florida Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Florida
Eutrophic Lakes in Florida
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-04-23
Monitoring stations: 3
Where to stay near Highlands-Josephine Center Lake
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