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D

Wilkinson Lake

Ramsey County, MinnesotaEutrophic

Wilkinson Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. The two scored sub-grades — clarity and phosphorus — track close together, so neither one is dragging the average down.

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. 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. Within the 49 graded lakes of Ramsey County, Wilkinson Lake sits at rank 39, near the bottom of the county list.

No invasive species are currently listed at Wilkinson Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Wilkinson Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. No formal public access is documented at Wilkinson Lake — most use is by shoreline residents and their guests. 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 2024-09-25. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.

Reviewed by LakeQuality Editorial Team · Updated

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Swimming Safety

Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk

Water Quality Grade: D, Poor

Murky, only visible to about 3.9 ft. Phosphorus level: 122 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 65.

MetricValueGrade
Water Clarity (Secchi Depth)3.9 ftD
Phosphorus122 µg/LF
Chlorophyll-a (Algae)No data
Trophic State Index (TSI)65Eutrophic

High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity

Water Quality Trend: Improving

Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).

MetricTrendChange/YearYears
Water Clarity Improving+0.655 m/yr5
Phosphorus Improving-1.65 µg/L/yr5
See year-by-year chart →

Location

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County Ranking

Ranked #39 of 49 lakes in Ramsey County

Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles

Wilkinson Lake holds Grade D. 5 nearby lakes hold higher grades.

See full comparison →

Nearby Lakes in Ramsey County

EPA Impairment Status

Wilkinson Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2024 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).

Causes of impairment

Nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen)

A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.

Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit MN62-0043-00 · Official waterbody report

Data Sources

Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal

Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database

Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards

Most recent sample: 2024-09-25

Monitoring stations: 1