Palmer Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Putnam County, New York. Water quality is graded D based on 1 sampling years through 2020. Compared to the 12 other monitored lakes in Putnam County, Palmer Lake ranks #6 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, New York DNR, last sampled 2020-09-17. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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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 3.6 ft. Trophic State Index: 59.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.6 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Palmer Lake
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Fishing Palmer Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #6 of 13 lakes in Putnam County
Nearby Lakes in Putnam County
Explore Palmer Lake across LakeGrade
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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EPA Impairment Status
Palmer Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2022 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit NY1302-0103 · Official waterbody report
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
11 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Palmer Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 1 classified by the EPA as major discharger. 5 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Carmel (T) Sd#2 WwtpCarmel · 1.6 mi away · NPDES NY0031356MajorRecent violation
- Hill Sparrow WwtpCarmel · 0.4 mi away · NPDES NY0165719Recent violation
- Hunter'S Glen WwtpCarmel · 1.5 mi away · NPDES NY0165531Recent violation
- Carmel Terminals IncCarmel · 1.9 mi away · NPDES NY0235083Recent violation
- Nyse&G Corp Brewster Service CtrSoutheast Center (Historical) · 2.6 mi away · NPDES NY0219401Recent violation
- Carmel Bp Remediation ProjectCarmel · 1 mi away · NPDES NY0234508
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
Most recent sample: 2020-09-17
Monitoring stations: 1