What is the water quality grade for Lake Placid?

Lake Placid in Highlands County, Florida received a water quality grade of C (Fair). Water clarity: 3.9 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 15 µg/L.

Is Lake Placid safe to swim in?

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Lake Placid has an overall water quality grade of C. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Lake Placid

Highlands County, FloridaEutrophic

Lake Placid is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Highlands County, Florida. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Compared to the 149 other monitored lakes in Highlands County, Lake Placid ranks #92 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Florida DNR, last sampled 2025-03-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 15 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	3.9 ft	D
Phosphorus	15 µg/L	B
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)	50	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #92 of 150 lakes in Highlands County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Lake Placid holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Highlands County

Highlands-Placid Lake

More Florida Lake Rankings

Cleanest lakes in Florida

Top 25 by overall water quality score

Best swimming lakes in Florida

Grade A/B + low algae filter

Family fishing lakes in Florida

Panfish-rich, public access

All Florida lakes

Full state directory

Other Grade C Lakes in Florida

Lake Lancaster West

Orange County · Clarity: 3.5 ft

Eastern Lake Outlet

Walton County · Clarity: 4.2 ft

Seminole-Secret Lake

Seminole County · Clarity: 4.5 ft

Spring Lake

Seminole County · Clarity: 2.9 ft

Polk-Fannie Lake

Polk County · Clarity: 3.5 ft

Volusia-North Talmadge Lake

Volusia County · Clarity: 4.5 ft

Eutrophic Lakes in Florida

Lake Lancaster West Flagler-Emerald Lake Eastern Lake Outlet Seminole-Secret Lake

Lake Size & Watershed

Watershed (drainage) area

27 sq mi

Surface area

3,235 acres

Mean depth (est.)

14.1 ft

Shoreline

10.7 mi

Elevation

89 ft

Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2025-03-11

Monitoring stations: 2

Where to stay near Lake Placid

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