Watson Lake is a highly nutrient-loaded hypereutrophic lake in Yavapai County, Arizona. Water quality is graded F based on 1 sampling years through 2026. Compared to the 8 other monitored lakes in Yavapai County, Watson Lake ranks #9 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Arizona DNR, last sampled 2026-03-30. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Watch Watson Lake water quality
Subscribe for LakeQuality updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Swimming Safety
Avoid swimming, very poor water quality, potential algae toxins
Water Quality Grade: F, Very Poor
No clarity data. Phosphorus level: 170 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 78.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | No data | |
| Phosphorus | 170 µg/L | F |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 78 | Hypereutrophic |
Very high nutrients, dense algae, poor clarity
Where to stay near Watson Lake
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Watson Lake in Yavapai County, Arizona — live availability and prices for your trip. Switch the map to Satellite to see the lake and how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Watson Lake
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Watson Lake?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Watson Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Fishing Watson Lake
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #9 of 9 lakes in Yavapai County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Watson Lake holds Grade F. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Yavapai County
Explore Watson Lake across LakeGrade
More Arizona Lake Rankings
Other Grade F Lakes in Arizona
Hypereutrophic Lakes in Arizona
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: 2026-03-30
Monitoring stations: 3