What is the water quality grade for Sam Rayburn Lake?

Sam Rayburn Lake in Nacogdoches County, Texas received a water quality grade of D (Poor). Water clarity: 0.8 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 130 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 10.2 µg/L.

Is Sam Rayburn Lake safe to swim in?

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. Sam Rayburn Lake has an overall water quality grade of D. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 10.2 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Nacogdoches County, Texas

Sam Rayburn Lake

Grade DPoor · 0.8 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Sam Rayburn Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Nacogdoches County, Texas. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2026. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Nacogdoches County, Sam Rayburn Lake ranks #2 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Texas DNR, last sampled 2026-01-20. 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

Very murky, less than 0.8 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 130 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 10.2 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 69.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	0.8 ft	F
Phosphorus	130 µg/L	F
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	10.2 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	69	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Sam Rayburn Lake

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Sam Rayburn Lake in Nacogdoches County, Texas — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.

Top-rated places to stay near Sam Rayburn Lake