Sassafras Lake is a highly nutrient-loaded hypereutrophic lake in Van Buren County, Michigan. Water quality is graded F based on 1 sampling years through 2025. Overall water quality is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 2 public boat landings. Compared to the 14 other monitored lakes in Van Buren County, Sassafras Lake ranks #15 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2025-07-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 130 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 74.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 130 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 74 | Hypereutrophic |
Very high nutrients, dense algae, poor clarity
Where to stay near Sassafras Lake
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Fishing Sassafras Lake
Water Quality Trend: ↑ Improving
Based on 3 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -8.16 µg/L/yr | 3 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Sassafras Lake averages about 66°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Aug (about 69°F) and coldest in Mar (about 47°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 501 field readings (2013–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Sassafras Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #15 of 15 lakes in Van Buren County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Sassafras Lake holds Grade F. One nearby lake has a higher grade.
Nearby Lakes in Van Buren County
Explore Sassafras Lake across LakeGrade
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Fish species and best lakes in Van Buren County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Very high nutrients, dense algae, poor clarity
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Other Grade F Lakes in Michigan
Berrien County · Clarity: 3 ft
Berrien County · Clarity: 3 ft
Cass County · Very Poor
Allegan County · Clarity: 3 ft
St. Joseph County · Clarity: 3 ft
St. Joseph County · Clarity: 3 ft
Hypereutrophic Lakes in Michigan
More records, surveys & data sources
EPA Impairment Status
Sassafras Lake 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 MI040500012503-02 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.84 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
3 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Sassafras Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 1 facility has a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Hartford WwtpHartford · 1.2 mi away · NPDES MI0023094Recent violation
- Crystal Flash Limited PartnersGrand Rapids · 2.3 mi away · NPDES MIG080606
- Rays Mini MartMuskegon · 4.2 mi away · NPDES MIG080976
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
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-07-16
Monitoring stations: 1