Kessler Lake is a highly nutrient-loaded hypereutrophic lake in Jackson County, Missouri. Water quality is graded F based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Phosphorus level is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 26 other monitored lakes in Jackson County, Kessler Lake ranks #23 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2024-09-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Kessler Lake routinely exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 30% of 10 samples across 4 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Missouri’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 270 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 50 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 77.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 270 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 50 µg/L | F |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 77 | Hypereutrophic |
Very high nutrients, dense algae, poor clarity
Where to stay near Kessler Lake
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Fishing Kessler Lake
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -82 µg/L/yr | 2 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +1.69 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Kessler Lake averages about 78°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 82°F) and coldest in May (about 72°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 39 field readings (2010–2022) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Kessler Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #23 of 27 lakes in Jackson County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Kessler Lake holds Grade F. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- CBlue Valley LakeJackson County · 2.8 mi · Two grade letters higher (F → C)
- DValley LakeJackson County · 2.6 mi · Higher grade (F → D)
Nearby Lakes in Jackson County
Explore Kessler Lake across LakeGrade
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Missouri's top lakes, each with its grade
Very high nutrients, dense algae, poor clarity
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Other Grade F Lakes in Missouri
Hypereutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
31 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Kessler Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 1 classified by the EPA as major discharger. 7 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Vicinity Energy Kansas CityKansas City · 1.7 mi away · NPDES MO0004847MajorRecent violation
- Bally'S Kansas CityKansas City · 0.9 mi away · NPDES MO0139386Recent violation
- Ingredion Incorporated, North KansasNorth Kansas City · 1.7 mi away · NPDES MO0002534Recent violation
- Nkc Sewage Treatment Sludge LfNorth Kansas City · 1.9 mi away · NPDES MO0107263Recent violation
- Polynt Composites Usa, Inc.North Kansas City · 2.1 mi away · NPDES MO0003140Recent violation
- North Kansas City WtpNorth Kansas City · 2.8 mi away · NPDES MO0107956Recent violation
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-09-05
Monitoring stations: 1