Moore Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Allegan County, Michigan. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2025. Overall water quality is declining over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Allegan County, Moore Lake ranks #11 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2025-11-26. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Moore Lake water quality
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Swimming Safety
Based on E. coli testing, Moore Lake never exceeded the EPA safe-swimming threshold (235 MPN/100mL) — on 0% of 5 samples across 5 seasons.
This is a historical summary of past testing, not a current condition — bacteria levels change quickly, especially after rain. Always check Michigan’s current beach and health-department advisories before swimming.
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 6.2 ft. Phosphorus level: 38 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.2 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 38 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Moore Lake
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Fishing Moore Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.25 m/yr | 2 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +76 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Moore Lake averages about 68°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 69°F) and coldest in Mar (about 45°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 17,684 field readings (2019–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Moore Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #11 of 12 lakes in Allegan County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Moore Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ACobb Lake Central BasinBarry County · 4.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BIngerson LakeAllegan County · 7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Allegan County
Explore Moore Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Michigan
Fish species and best lakes in Allegan County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Michigan's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Michigan's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More Michigan Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Michigan
Barry County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Van Buren County · Clarity: 8 ft
Van Buren County · Clarity: 8.3 ft
Kalamazoo County · Clarity: 4 ft
Van Buren County · Clarity: 7.8 ft
Kent County · Clarity: 7 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Moore Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MI040500030803-01 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.56 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
5 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Moore Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 3 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Match-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band Of Pottawatomi Indians Tribal Utility Authority WwtfWayland · 2.3 mi away · NPDES MI0058661Recent violation
- Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish-Treatment Plant #1Shelbyville · 2.4 mi away · NPDES MI0058670Recent violation
- Wayland Twp WwtpShelbyville · 2.4 mi away · NPDES MI0059005Recent violation
- Crystal Flash-Wayland #20Wayland · 4.4 mi away · NPDES MIG081034
- Wayland Recycling Site-RrdWayland · 4.6 mi away · NPDES MI0060251
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
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-11-26
Monitoring stations: 1