Lake Nelson is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Nelson County, Virginia. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2024.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Virginia DNR, last sampled 2024-10-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swim with caution, moderate algae may be present
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 3.1 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 40 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 27.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 60.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.1 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 40 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 27.7 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 60 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Fishing Lake Nelson
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Nelson County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake Nelson holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BNortheast Arm of Mill Creek LakeAmherst County · 10.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BNorth Arm of Mill Creek LakeAmherst County · 10.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BMill Cr ReservoirAmherst County · 11 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BMill Creek ReservoirAmherst County · 11.5 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- CSlate River Dam Scs Impoundment LakeBuckingham County · 21.1 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Nelson County
Explore Lake Nelson across LakeGrade
More Virginia Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Virginia
Buckingham County · Clarity: 3 ft
Albemarle County · Clarity: 3 ft
Fluvanna County · Clarity: 3.3 ft
Charlotte County · Clarity: 2.3 ft
Powhatan County · Clarity: 2.3 ft
Halifax County · Clarity: 2 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Virginia
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: 2024-10-16
Monitoring stations: 1