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D

Lower George Lake

Cook County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic

Lower George Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer.

At a TSI of 59, Lower George Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Lower George Lake ranks 107 of 128 in Cook County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

Lower George Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2024, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Lower George Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The lake lacks a documented public access point, so visitor use is limited. Monitoring depth is thin here: the LakeGrade rubric is applied to a small number of sample years, and the grade will be revised as more data accumulates.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2024-08-21. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Reviewed by LakeQuality Editorial Team · Updated

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Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 3.5 ft. Trophic State Index: 59.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)3.5 ftD
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)59Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Declining

Based on 2 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Declining-0.685 m/yr2

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #107 of 128 lakes in Cook County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Lower George Lake holds Grade D. One nearby lake has a higher grade.

Nearby Lakes in Cook County

EPA Impairment Status

Lower George Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 5).

Causes of impairment

Mercury

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MN16-0460-00 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (2.72 km)

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2024-08-21

Monitoring stations: 1