Highlands-Josephine East Lake
Highlands County, FloridaEutrophic
Highlands-Josephine East 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 East Lake ranks #115 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2025-04-23. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Highlands-Josephine East 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 2 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 41.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 63.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 41.5 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 63 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #115 of 150 lakes in Highlands County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Highlands-Josephine East Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AHighlands-Lynn LakeHighlands County · 1.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- ALake_lynnHighlands County · 1.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- CHighlands-Red Beach LakeHighlands County · 3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CHighlands-Persimmon LakeHighlands County · 3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CPersimmon LakeHighlands County · 3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
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 East Lake
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