Tri City Lake is a 28-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Boone County, Missouri. Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2024. Phosphorus level is improving over recent sampling years. Limited fish-species data available. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 11 other monitored lakes in Boone County, Tri City Lake ranks #8 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Missouri DNR, last sampled 2024-05-22. 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
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 76 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 24.7 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 64.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 76 µg/L | D |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 24.7 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 64 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Tri City Lake
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Fishing Tri City Lake
Water Quality Trend: → Stable
Based on 4 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | ↑ Improving | -28.4 µg/L/yr | 4 |
| Chlorophyll-a | ↓ Declining | +0.76 µg/L/yr | 4 |
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Tri City Lake averages about 83°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 85°F) and coldest in May (about 68°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 54 field readings (2010–2024) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Tri City Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #8 of 12 lakes in Boone County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Tri City Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BFinger LakesBoone County · 9.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- BLake of the WoodsBoone County · 15.4 mi · Two grade letters higher (D → B)
- CQuarry Heights LakeBoone County · 18.7 mi · Higher grade (D → C)
- DStephens LakeBoone County · 17.4 mi · Higher overall water quality score
- DCedar LakeRandolph County · 18.1 mi · Higher overall water quality score
Nearby Lakes in Boone County
Explore Tri City 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)
Tri City Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Tri-City Community Lake Dam (completed 1957), built primarily for recreation on the TR-SILVER FORK CREEK; earth-type dam, 25 ft tall.
- Surface area
- 28 ac
- Normal storage
- 233 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 374 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 400 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- MO DEPT OF CONSERVATION
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MO10102 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.08 km)
Regulated Pollution Sources Nearby
7 EPA-permitted facilities operate within about 5 miles of Tri City Lake under Clean Water Act (NPDES) discharge permits, including 1 classified by the EPA as major discharger. 5 facilities have a reported Clean Water Act violation in the past three years.
- Centralia WwtfCentralia · 3.6 mi away · NPDES MO0028789MajorRecent violation
- Little City MhpCentralia · 3 mi away · NPDES MO0057363Recent violation
- Sunnydale Adventist Academy WwtfCentralia · 3.9 mi away · NPDES MO0044563Recent violation
- Sturgeon WwtfSturgeon · 4.7 mi away · NPDES MO0052027Recent violation
- Bcrsd Sunnyslope Subd WwtfHallsville · 4.9 mi away · NPDES MO0095354Recent violation
- Jbs Live Pork Centralia Feed MillCentralia · 3.2 mi away · NPDES MONX00514
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
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2024-05-22
Monitoring stations: 1