Ward Lake

Ward Lake sits at a C on the grading scale — not impaired, not pristine, with summer measurements that vary year to year. Clarity is the limiting factor — phosphorus is reasonable but suspended particles or algal cells keep water transparency below Wisconsin norms.

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. Ward Lake reaches 43 ft at its deepest point — typical for Wisconsin mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. At 82 acres, Ward Lake sits below the Wisconsin median: a small water where shoreline activity has an outsized effect on water quality. Within Polk County's 74 graded lakes, Ward Lake ranks 42 — below the local median, though not at the bottom.

An invasive species record — Chinese Mystery Snail — has been logged at Ward Lake; Wisconsin DNR maintains the official infested-waters list. The fishery includes walleye alongside the lake's other 3 documented species — a notable draw for Wisconsin anglers. A documented public access point at Ward 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.