Jellums Lake
Jellums Lake in Washington County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 6 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 27 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 8.2 µg/L.
- Clarity
- 6 ft
- Typical in August
- 70°F
- Type
- Eutrophic
- Public access
- Yes
Next lake in Washington County
Jellums Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Washington County, Minnesota. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available. Compared to the 74 other monitored lakes in Washington County, Jellums Lake ranks #42 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2024-10-14. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Grade onlyLimited data
Based on clarity and algae grades from past sampling — we do not hold live water temperature and a current cyanobacteria reading for this lake. Check your state or county health department before you swim.
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C (Fair)
Murky, only visible to about 6 ft. Phosphorus level: 27 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 8.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6 ft | Not graded |
| Phosphorus | 27 µg/L | Fair |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 8.2 µg/L | Fair |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Jellums Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Jellums Lake in Washington County, Minnesota — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Jellums Lake
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Water Temperature
Jellums Lake typically sits around 70°F at the surface in August. Summer average is about 70°F. Usually warmest in Jul (about 72°F) and coldest in Apr (about 47°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 195 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Jellums Lake water temperature breakdown →
Fishing Jellums Lake
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
EPA Impairment Status
Jellums Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MN82-0068-00 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.95 km)
County Ranking
Ranked #42 of 75 lakes in Washington County
Nearby Lakes With Higher Grades
Jellums Lake holds Grade C. One nearby lake has a higher nutrient-and-algae grade — useful for a swim day, not a reason to skip lodging here.
Nearby Lakes in Washington County
Frequently asked questions about Jellums Lake
What is the water quality grade for Jellums Lake?
- Jellums Lake in Washington County, Minnesota has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 6 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 27 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 8.2 µg/L.
Is Jellums Lake safe to swim in?
- Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Jellums Lake has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 8.2 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.
What is the water temperature of Jellums Lake?
- Jellums Lake typically sits around 70°F at the surface in August, from 195 EPA Water Quality Portal field readings (2010–2024). That is a typical value for the month, not a live reading.
Explore Jellums Lake across LakeGrade
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Where this data comes from
28 measurements from 1 monitoring station, 2024. Retrieved from the EPA Water Quality Portal on 2026-08-02.
Collected and reported by
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Ambient Surface Water
MNPCA28 samples · 2024
Analytical methods
- Field measurement/observation, generic method
- Phosphorus by Colorimetry
- Analysis of Chlorophyll in Periphyton and Plankton
Monitoring station identifiers (1)
Grade thresholds from the EPA National Lakes Assessment (EPA 841-R-24-006, Table 6-3), applied by ecoregion. See how grades are calculated and data sources.
Other records on this page
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)