Lake James is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Burke County, North Carolina. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2022.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Carolina DNR, last sampled 2022-09-06. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake James water quality
Subscribe for LakeQuality updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 40 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 40 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.4 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 51 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Lake James
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Lake James in Burke County, North Carolina — live availability and prices for your trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake James
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Lake James?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Lake James — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Fishing Lake James
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Burke County
Nearby Lakes in Burke County
Explore Lake James 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
Eutrophic 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: 2022-09-06
Monitoring stations: 6