Perch Lake Central Basin; Bates Township
Iron County, WisconsinEutrophic
Perch Lake Central Basin; Bates Township is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Iron County, MI. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2023. Compared to the 38 other monitored lakes in Iron County, Perch Lake Central Basin; Bates Township ranks #35 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-08-28. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 6 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 6.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 6.5 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #35 of 39 lakes in Iron County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Perch Lake Central Basin; Bates Township holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ASunset Lake West Central Basin; Bates TownshipIron County · 16.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BSwan Lake North Central Basin; Crystal Falls Township Section 35Iron County · 18.4 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Iron County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Cass County · Clarity: 7 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Iosco County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 6.8 ft
Gladwin County · Clarity: 9 ft
Montmorency County · Clarity: 9 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
EPA Impairment Status
Perch Lake Central Basin; Bates Township 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 MI040201040104-05 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (0.32 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: 2023-08-28
Monitoring stations: 1