Hiwassee Reservoir is a mesotrophic lake in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Cherokee County, Hiwassee Reservoir ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Carolina DNR, last sampled 2024-11-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 10 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 7.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 10 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 7.6 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Where to stay near Hiwassee Reservoir
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Fishing Hiwassee Reservoir
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 2 lakes in Cherokee County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Hiwassee Reservoir holds Grade B. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ACalderwood LakeGraham County · 25.7 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AApalachia LakeCherokee County · 7.9 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- AChatuge LakeClay County · 20.4 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ASanteetlah LakeGraham County · 22.4 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- ANantahala LakeMacon County · 26 mi · Higher grade (B → A)
Nearby Lakes in Cherokee County
Explore Hiwassee Reservoir across LakeGrade
More North Carolina Lake Rankings
Top 25 by overall water quality score
Top 25 by Secchi water clarity
Grade A/B + low algae filter
Panfish-rich, public access
Full state directory
Other Grade B Lakes in North Carolina
Mesotrophic Lakes in North Carolina
More records, surveys & data sources
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-11-05
Monitoring stations: 5