Hillsborough-Forest Lake
Hillsborough County, FloridaEutrophic
Hillsborough-Forest Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Hillsborough County, Florida. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 221 other monitored lakes in Hillsborough County, Hillsborough-Forest Lake ranks #169 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2024-04-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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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: 63 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 66.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.8 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 63 µg/L | D |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 66 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #169 of 222 lakes in Hillsborough County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Hillsborough-Forest Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BHillsborough-Flynn LakeHillsborough County · 1.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- BHillsborough-Burrell LakeHillsborough County · 1.9 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CHillsborough-Chapman LakeHillsborough County · 3 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CHillsborough-Country Lakes PondHillsborough County · 2.9 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- DHillsborough-North PondHillsborough County · 0.3 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Hillsborough County
More Florida Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Florida
Eutrophic Lakes in Florida
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
5 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Hillsborough-Forest Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 3 classified by the EPA as major dischargers. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Fdot District 7 - HillsboroughTampa · 2.6 mi away · NPDES FLS266221Major
- Fdot District 7 - PascoTampa · 2.6 mi away · NPDES FLS267317Major
- Temple Terrace - MS4Temple Terrace · 2.9 mi away · NPDES FLS000009Major
- University Of South FloridaTampa · 1.8 mi away · NPDES FL0702820Recent violation
- Busch Entertainment CorporatioTampa · 3.2 mi away · NPDES FL0186066
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: 2024-04-07
Monitoring stations: 3
Where to stay near Hillsborough-Forest Lake
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