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LakeQuality
D

Target Lake

Houston County, MinnesotaLimited DataEutrophic

Target Lake earns a D — measurements through 2023 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. Clarity, phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a all rate similarly, so there is no obvious single lever to pull on watershed management.

At a TSI of 54, Target Lake reads as eutrophic — nutrient-rich enough that summer algal growth and reduced clarity are expected, not unusual. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Target Lake ranks 1 of 2 in Houston County — solidly in the upper half of the local distribution.

Target Lake has no invasive species recorded in Minnesota state databases as of 2023, though prevention practices still apply at all access points. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Target Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.

Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2023-10-03. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 5.1 ft. Trophic State Index: 54.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)5.1 ftD
PhosphorusNo data
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)54Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #1 of 2 lakes in Houston County

Nearby Lakes in Houston County

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2023-10-03

Monitoring stations: 1