Pounds Hollow Lake is a 28-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Gallatin County, Illinois. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2020.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Illinois DNR, last sampled 2020-11-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 24 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.9 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | 24 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 54 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
Where to stay near Pounds Hollow Lake
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Fishing Pounds Hollow Lake
Water Temperature
Pounds Hollow Lake averages about 76°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 77°F) and coldest in Nov (about 57°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 319 field readings (2010–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Pounds Hollow Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Gallatin County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Pounds Hollow Lake holds Grade C. 3 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BTecumseh LakeHardin County · 9.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BOne Horse Gap LakePope County · 11.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BGlendale LakePope County · 25.5 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Gallatin County
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Pounds Hollow Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Pounds Hollow (completed 1939), built primarily for recreation on the ROBINETTE; earth-type dam, 43 ft tall and 478 ft long.
- Surface area
- 28 ac
- Normal storage
- 717 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 900 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 2 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- USDA FS
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID IL00101 · Operator website
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
2 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Pounds Hollow Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits.
- Jader Coal Company-Mine #4Junction · 3.6 mi away · NPDES IL0061166
- Peabody Arclar Mining LlcEquality · 4.9 mi away · NPDES IL0064203
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
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-11-10
Monitoring stations: 3