Schultz Lake
Dakota County, MinnesotaMesotrophic
On the LakeGrade scale Schultz Lake grades a B, with clarity at 8.5 ft and 20 µg/L of phosphorus placing it above the Minnesota median. Secchi readings are the weakest of the scored parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.
A TSI near 47 places Schultz Lake in the mesotrophic band — moderate productivity, with seasonal swings between clearer spring water and richer late-summer conditions. 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. Schultz Lake ranks 3 of 36 in Dakota County, putting it in the upper tier of locally monitored lakes.
Eurasian watermilfoil is established at Schultz Lake, which can dampen recreational access and pressure the native plant community. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Schultz Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Schultz Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. Multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies back the grade, so the letter should hold steady absent a major watershed shift.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2023-09-27. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Moderate clarity, visible to about 8.5 ft. Phosphorus level: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 4.8 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 47.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 8.5 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | 20 µg/L | B |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 4.8 µg/L | A |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 47 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Invasive & Introduced Species
Red chips are ecologically harmful invasive species. Gray chips are stocked or introduced fish that aren't a current ecological concern.
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.094 m/yr | 5 |
| Phosphorus | ↓ Declining | +0.6 µg/L/yr | 5 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +1.1 µg/L/yr | 2 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #3 of 36 lakes in Dakota County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Schultz Lake holds Grade B. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AHolland LakeDakota County · mi · Higher grade (B → A)
- BO'Brien LakeDakota County · mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Dakota County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Schultz Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Minnesota
Mesotrophic Lakes in Minnesota
EPA Impairment Status
Schultz 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 MN19-0064-00 · Official waterbody report · Matched by proximity (1.17 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: 2023-09-27
Monitoring stations: 1