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LakeQuality
C

Rice Marsh Lake

Hennepin County, MinnesotaEutrophic

The LakeGrade rubric puts Rice Marsh Lake at a C: clarity at 7.7 ft, 34 µg/L of phosphorus, and a TSI of 51 signal an intermediate trophic state. Sub-grades cluster within a single letter of each other, which usually means the lake is in stable trophic balance rather than fighting one specific stressor.

At a TSI of 51, Rice Marsh 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. Among the 95 graded lakes in Hennepin County, Rice Marsh Lake ranks 15 — in the top quartile locally.

Rice Marsh Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2023, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Rice Marsh Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Rice Marsh Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2023-09-14. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Moderate clarity, visible to about 7.7 ft. Phosphorus level: 34 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 51.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)7.7 ftC
Phosphorus34 µg/LC
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)51Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Declining

Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Declining-0.203 m/yr5
Phosphorus Declining+1.25 µg/L/yr3

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #15 of 95 lakes in Hennepin County

Nearby Lakes in Hennepin County

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2023-09-14

Monitoring stations: 1