Stephens Lake is a 11-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Boone County, Missouri. Water quality is graded D based on 3 sampling years through 2020. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Boone County, Stephens Lake ranks #7 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2020-09-04. 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 2.6 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 39.7 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 19.9 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 60.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 2.6 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 39.7 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 19.9 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 60 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
Where to stay near Stephens Lake
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Fishing Stephens Lake
Water Temperature
Stephens Lake averages about 84°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 84°F) and coldest in Apr (about 62°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 41 field readings (2012–2020) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Stephens Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #7 of 12 lakes in Boone County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Stephens Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BLake of the WoodsBoone County · 3.9 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- BFinger LakesBoone County · 9.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CQuarry Heights LakeBoone County · 2.1 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CPhillips LakeBoone County · 3.9 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- CBethel LakeBoone County · 3.9 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
Nearby Lakes in Boone County
Explore Stephens Lake across LakeGrade
More Missouri Lake Rankings
Other Grade D Lakes in Missouri
Eutrophic Lakes in Missouri
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Stephens Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Stephens Lake Dam (completed 1939), built primarily for recreation on the TR HINKSON CREEK; earth-type dam, 23 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 11 ac
- Normal storage
- 63 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 135 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 40 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- STEPHENS COLLEGE
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO11172 · Operator website
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
16 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Stephens Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits. 4 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Mathis Mobile Home ParkColumbia · 3.7 mi away · NPDES MO0099198Recent violation
- Gaslight Industrial ParkColumbia · 4 mi away · NPDES MO0089532Recent violation
- Crowley SubdivisionColumbia · 4.5 mi away · NPDES MO0082147Recent violation
- Boone Co Reg Sewer DistColumbia · 4.7 mi away · NPDES MO0096539Recent violation
- Columbia Municipal Power PlantColumbia · 1 mi away · NPDES MO0004979
- Fedex Express - CouaColumbia · 1.1 mi away · NPDES MONX00531
Facilities permitted to discharge under the Clean Water Act within ~5 miles; proximity does not by itself mean a facility affects this lake. Source: EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES), as of 2026-07.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Regulated discharger data from EPA ECHO (ICIS-NPDES)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2020-09-04
Monitoring stations: 1