Upper Blackwater River Lake is a productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Franklin County, Virginia. Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2026. Compared to the 13 other monitored lakes in Franklin County, Upper Blackwater River Lake ranks #13 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Virginia DNR, last sampled 2026-05-19. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swim with caution, moderate algae may be present
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Very murky, less than 3 ft of visibility. Phosphorus level: 40 µg/L. Chlorophyll-a: 17.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 59.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | 40 µg/L | C |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 17.3 µg/L | C |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 59 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Where to stay near Upper Blackwater River Lake
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Fishing Upper Blackwater River Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #13 of 14 lakes in Franklin County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Upper Blackwater River Lake holds Grade C. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AMouth of Bull Run LakeFranklin County · 6.6 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ALower Blackwater River LakeFranklin County · 7.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- ACool Branch LakeFranklin County · 8.3 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BMiddle Blackwater River LakeFranklin County · 2.8 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BGills Creek LakeFranklin County · 3.1 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Franklin County
Explore Upper Blackwater River Lake across LakeGrade
More Virginia Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Virginia
Eutrophic Lakes in Virginia
More records, surveys & data sources
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2026-05-19
Monitoring stations: 1