What is the water quality grade for Smith Mountain Lake?

Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, Virginia received a water quality grade of B (Good). Water clarity: 3.9 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 13.3 µg/L.

Is Smith Mountain Lake safe to swim in?

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels. Smith Mountain Lake has an overall water quality grade of B. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 13.3 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Bedford County, Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake

Grade BGood · 3.9 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

Smith Mountain Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Bedford County, Virginia. Water quality is graded B based on 2 sampling years through 2026. Compared to the 7 other monitored lakes in Bedford County, Smith Mountain Lake ranks #8 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Virginia DNR, last sampled 2026-06-11. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels

Water Quality Grade: B, Good

Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 20 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 13.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 54.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	3.9 ft	D
Phosphorus	20 µg/L	B
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	13.3 µg/L	C
Trophic State Index (TSI)	54	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near Smith Mountain Lake

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