Lake Lucern is a 42-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Warren County, Missouri. Water quality is graded C based on 3 sampling years through 2020. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Compared to the 15 other monitored lakes in Warren County, Lake Lucern ranks #9 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2020-09-14. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Lake Lucern water quality
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 5.2 ft. Phosphorus level: 25.8 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 10.1 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 53.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 5.2 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 25.8 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 10.1 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 53 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
Where to stay near Lake Lucern
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Fishing Lake Lucern
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | → Stable | -0.026 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | → Stable | -0.1 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +0.07 µg/L/yr | 5 |
Water Temperature
Lake Lucern averages about 82°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 85°F) and coldest in Apr (about 61°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 70 field readings (2010–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Lake Lucern water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #9 of 16 lakes in Warren County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Lucern holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AAlpine LakeWarren County · 2.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BLake KonstanzWarren County · 1.2 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BCastlenovo LakeWarren County · 0.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BWhippoorwill LakeWarren County · 1.5 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BInnsbrook Lake Nr. DamWarren County · 0.6 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Warren County
Explore Lake Lucern across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Missouri
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake Lucern is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Lake Lucern Dam (completed 1971), built primarily for recreation on the TRIB CHARRETTE CREEK; earth-type dam, 30 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 42 ac
- Normal storage
- 338 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 674 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 1,140 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- ASPENHOF CORP.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO30519 · Operator website
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
13 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Lake Lucern under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 6 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Country Cove Mhp WwtfWright City · 3.1 mi away · NPDES MO0117269Recent violation
- 16200 Veterans Memorial East WwtfWright City · 3.3 mi away · NPDES MO0113786Recent violation
- Faith Christian Family Church WwtpTruesdale · 3.7 mi away · NPDES MO0129721Recent violation
- Country Horizon Mhp WwtpWright City · 4.2 mi away · NPDES MO0113387Recent violation
- North Oak WwtpWright City · 4.2 mi away · NPDES MO0109673Recent violation
- Sccpwsd 2 Hickory Trails WwtpWright City · 4.7 mi away · NPDES MO0136204Recent 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)
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-09-14
Monitoring stations: 1