Sassafras Lake
Van Buren County, WisconsinLimited DataHypereutrophic
Sassafras Lake is a highly nutrient-loaded hypereutrophic lake in Van Buren County, MI. Water quality is graded F based on 1 sampling years through 2025. 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, local state DNR records, last sampled 2025-07-16. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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
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.
See full comparison →Nearby Lakes in Van Buren County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade F Lakes in Wisconsin
Ottawa County · Clarity: 3 ft
Berrien County · Clarity: 3 ft
Berrien County · Clarity: 3 ft
Genesee County · Clarity: 1.8 ft
Hillsdale County · Clarity: 3.3 ft
Hillsdale County · Clarity: 3.3 ft
Hypereutrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
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)
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2025-07-16
Monitoring stations: 1