A new studey has ranked the cleanest lakes in America.
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There’s nothing quite like jumping into a pristine lake, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom. But while the United States is home to hundreds of thousands of lakes—479,950 in the lower 48 alone and nearly three million in Alaska—not all are created equal in terms of cleanliness.
So what are the cleanest lakes in America? A new report from Lake.com has the answers, ranking the top 10 cleanest lakes based on a comprehensive analysis of water quality data.
The report analyzed the cleanliness of 276 lakes across the country, using data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) collected between January 1, 2023, and May 28, 2024. The research focused on eight key water quality characteristics: dissolved oxygen, ammonia, lead, phosphorus, sulfate, total dissolved solids, turbidity and pH levels. These factors were used to rank each lake’s cleanliness.
So what is the cleanest lake in America? Lake Louise in Florida came out on top, with near-optimal levels in most categories. Located in the Butler Chain of Lakes within the greater Orlando metropolitan area, this lake has a pH level of 6.98, which is perfect for both aquatic life and human skin. Additionally, it has a dissolved oxygen level that’s well above the acceptable threshold for supporting aquatic life. The lake also shows low levels of ammonia and lead, making it a haven for both wildlife and human recreation.
Lake Louise, which was named the cleanest lake in the U.S.
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And Lake Louise is more than just a place for clean water. It’s a great spot for travelers. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for boating, fishing and kayaking. Plus, its proximity to Orlando’s major attractions, like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, means you can easily combine a day of outdoor adventure with a trip to some of the world’s most famous theme parks. The surrounding area is home to luxury resorts, providing an upscale retreat for visitors who want to experience the best of Florida.
In second place is Wisconsin’s Axhandle Lake, located in tranquil Chippewa County. This hidden gem offers an escape into nature with some of the clearest waters in the country. Chippewa County is part of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, a region famed for its outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re into fishing, canoeing or simply lounging by the water, Axhandle Lake delivers a serene, unspoiled environment that’s perfect for unwinding. Nearby, you’ll find quaint towns like Chippewa Falls, where you can explore local breweries, charming shops and scenic trails. The area also has miles of forests and rivers to explore.
Rounding out the top three is Bear Gully Lake in Seminole County, Florida. This lake is part of a quieter side of Central Florida, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist spots. The lake’s clean, clear waters make it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Other lakes in the top 10 include Lake Mooney in Virginia, Aberdeen Lake in Mississippi, Amory Lake in Florida, Lake Downey in Florida, Claytor Lake in Virginia, Sylvan Lake in Florida and Lake Spivey in Florida. Each of these lakes displayed consistently low levels of pollutants, maintaining water clarity and quality that surpass national averages.
Besides the cleanest lakes, the report also ranked the dirtiest lakes in America. Topping the list: Utah Lake in Utah, which was named the dirtiest lake in the United States. This large freshwater lake struggles with high levels of total dissolved solids, turbidity and sulfate, which contribute to poor water quality and unpleasant odors.
Read on for the list of the 10 cleanest lakes. You can see more details, along with the list of dirtiest lakes in Lake.com’s report.
The 10 Cleanest Lakes In America
Lake Louise – Isleworth, Florida
Axhandle Lake – Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Bear Gully Lake – Seminole County, Florida
Lake Mooney – Stafford County, Virginia
Aberdeen Lake – Monroe County, Mississippi
Amory Lake – Seminole County, Florida
Lake Downey – Orange County, Florida
Claytor Lake – Pulaski County, Virginia
Sylvan Lake – Seminole County, Florida
Lake Spivey – Pasco County, Florida
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Publish date : 2024-08-27 03:12:00
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