Salem Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Forsyth County, Salem Lake ranks #1 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Carolina DNR, last sampled 2021-08-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swim with caution, moderate algae may be present
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 30 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 26 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 58.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 30 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 26 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 58 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Fishing Salem Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Forsyth County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Salem Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- ABelews LakeStokes County · 15.5 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- CHanging Rock LakeStokes County · 20.8 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Forsyth County
Explore Salem Lake across LakeGrade
More North Carolina Lake Rankings
Top 25 by overall water quality score
Top 25 by Secchi water clarity
Grade A/B + low algae filter
Panfish-rich, public access
Full state directory
Other Grade C Lakes in North Carolina
Eutrophic Lakes in North Carolina
More records, surveys & data sources
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2021-08-05
Monitoring stations: 3