Spurzem Lake

Spurzem Lake earns an F: 100 µg/L of phosphorus and clarity at 3.1 ft signal heavy nutrient loading from the surrounding watershed. The three sub-grades — clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a — track close together, so no single parameter is dragging the average.

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. A maximum depth of 38 ft puts Spurzem Lake in the middle of Minnesota's depth distribution. The lake is compact at 82 acres, with 1.8 miles of shoreline and little volume to buffer nutrient inputs. Spurzem Lake ranks 79 of 95 in Hennepin County — at the lower end of the locally monitored distribution.

No invasive species are currently listed at Spurzem Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. Walleye are documented at Spurzem Lake, one of 13 fish species on record for the lake. A documented public access point at Spurzem Lake makes the lake usable for shore fishing, paddle craft, and trailered boats. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.