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C

Simian Lake

St. Louis County, MinnesotaEutrophic

Simian Lake sits at a C on the grading scale — not impaired, not pristine, with summer measurements that vary year to year. Secchi readings are the weakest of the scored parameters, suggesting suspended sediment or algal biomass dominates the optical signal.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. 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. Among the 187 graded lakes in St. Louis County, Simian Lake sits at rank 82, above the county median.

No invasive species are currently listed at Simian Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Simian Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The lake lacks a documented public access point, so visitor use is limited. 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 2024-10-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Reviewed by LakeQuality Editorial Team · Updated

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Swimming Safety

Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality

Water Quality Grade: C, Fair

Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 25 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 5.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 52.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)3.9 ftD
Phosphorus25 µg/LB
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)5.5 µg/LB
Trophic State Index (TSI)52Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Improving+0.276 m/yr5
Phosphorus Improving-7 µg/L/yr2
Chlorophyll-a Declining+1.02 µg/L/yr5
See year-by-year chart →

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #82 of 187 lakes in St. Louis County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Simian Lake holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in St. Louis County

State Parks Near Simian Lake

Eutrophic Lakes in Minnesota

EPA Impairment Status

Simian Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2019 EPA reporting cycle.

Causes of impairment

Mercury

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit FDL_118 · Official waterbody report

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: 2024-10-03

Monitoring stations: 1