What is the water quality grade for South Pond?

South Pond in Chippewa County, Michigan received a water quality grade of D (Poor). Water clarity: 1.3 ft visibility. Phosphorus: 27.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a (algae): 37.5 µg/L.

Is South Pond safe to swim in?

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk. South Pond has an overall water quality grade of D. Algae concentration (chlorophyll-a) is 37.5 µg/L. Always check local health department advisories before swimming.

Chippewa County, Michigan

South Pond

Grade DPoor · 1.3 ft clarity

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Eutrophic

South Pond is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Chippewa County, Michigan. Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2023. Water clarity is improving over recent sampling years. The lake supports 6 documented fish species including Golden redhorse, Golden shiner, and Green sunfish. Public access is available. Compared to the 17 other monitored lakes in Chippewa County, South Pond ranks #17 for water quality.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Michigan DNR, last sampled 2023-05-09. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

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Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Very murky, less than 1.3 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 27.5 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 37.5 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 64.

Metric	Value	Grade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)	1.3 ft	F
Phosphorus	27.5 µg/L	B
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)	37.5 µg/L	F
Trophic State Index (TSI)	64	Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Where to stay near South Pond

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Fish Species

Golden redhorse Golden shiner Green sunfish Lake herring Pumpkinseed Spotted gar

Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.

Fishing South Pond

Water Quality Trend: → Stable

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

Metric	Trend	Change/Year	Years
Water Clarity	↑ Improving	+0.234 m/yr	4
Phosphorus	→ Stable	+0.24 µg/L/yr	5
Chlorophyll-a	↓ Declining	+20.7 µg/L/yr	3

See year-by-year chart →

Water Temperature

South Pond averages about 68°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 70°F) and coldest in Feb (about 35°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.