Lower Gar Lake
Dickinson County, WisconsinEutrophic
Lower Gar Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Dickinson County, IA. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Dickinson County, Lower Gar Lake ranks #6 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2024-09-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 2.6 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 20.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 62.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.6 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 20.7 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 62 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #6 of 8 lakes in Dickinson County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lower Gar Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AWest Okoboji LakeDickinson County · 2.5 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → A)
- CUpper Gar LakeDickinson County · 1 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CBig Spirit LakeDickinson County · 8.9 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- DLake MinnewashtaDickinson County · 0.4 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- DEast Okoboji LakeDickinson County · 2 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Dickinson County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Wisconsin
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2024-09-10
Monitoring stations: 1