What is the water quality grade for Jo Shelby Lake?

Jo Shelby Lake in Linn County, Wisconsin received a water quality grade of C (Fair). Phosphorus: 48 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 15 µg/L. Surface area: 31 acres.

Is Jo Shelby Lake safe to swim in?

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Jo Shelby Lake has an overall water quality grade of C. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 15 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Jo Shelby Lake

Linn County, WisconsinEutrophic

Jo Shelby Lake is a 31-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Linn County, MO. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 3 other monitored lakes in Linn County, Jo Shelby Lake ranks #2 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2024-08-07. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 48 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 15 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 59.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	No data
Phosphorus	48 µg/L	C
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	15 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	59	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Lake Details

Characteristic	Value
Surface Area	31 acres

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #2 of 4 lakes in Linn County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Jo Shelby Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Linn County

Brookfield Lake

Linn County

Pershing State Park Lake

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Marceline Lake

Linn County

Marceline City Lake New Nr. Dam

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Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin

Aspen Lake Along Southern Arm

Warren County · Clarity: 3.8 ft

Mark Twain Lake by Hwy J

Ralls County · Clarity: 3.7 ft

Red Fox Lake

Warren County · Clarity: 3.3 ft

Waukomis Lake

Platte County · Clarity: 4.7 ft

Table Rock L. Nr. Greens Hollow Lake

Barry County · Clarity: 5 ft

Little Prairie Lake by Dam

Phelps County · Clarity: 4.9 ft

Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin

Aspen Lake Along Southern Arm Boathouse Lake Hunnewell Lake Long Branch Lk. Lake

Reservoir Info (USACE NID)

Jo Shelby Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Fountain Grove Lake Dam (completed 1958), built primarily for recreation on the TR-PARSON CREEK; earth-type dam, 26 ft tall.

Surface area: 31 ac
Normal storage: 220 ac-ft
Max storage: 431 ac-ft
Drainage area: 375 sq mi
Hazard class: Low
Owner: MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION

Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO10182 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.04 km)

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2024-08-07

Monitoring stations: 1