Skip to main content
LakeQuality
A

South Lake

Herkimer County, WisconsinLimited DataOligotrophic

South Lake is a 499-acre cold, clear oligotrophic lake in Herkimer County, NY. Water quality is graded A based on 1 sampling years through 2023. Compared to the 6 other monitored lakes in Herkimer County, South Lake ranks #1 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2023-07-06. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Excellent for swimming, crystal clear water with minimal algae

Water Quality Grade: A, Excellent

No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 4 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 24.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)No data
Phosphorus4 µg/LA
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)24Oligotrophic

Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming

Lake Details

CharacteristicValue
Surface Area499 acres

Location

Loading map…

County Ranking

Ranked #1 of 7 lakes in Herkimer County

Nearby Lakes in Herkimer County

Reservoir Info (USACE NID)

South Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the South Lake Dam (completed 1901), built primarily for recreation on the SOUTH BRANCH BLACK RIVER; earth-type dam, 30 ft tall and 380 ft long.

Surface area
499 ac
Normal storage
4,840 ac-ft
Max storage
5,480 ac-ft
Hazard class
High
Owner
New York State Canal Corporation

Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID NY00317 · Operator website

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2023-07-06

Monitoring stations: 1