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Balsam Lake
Water Quality
One measure of a lakes health is the trophic state, which relates to the amount of algae in the water. The average summer trophic state for the last 5 years was 54 (Eutrophic) and was determined using chlorophyll data. For a Two-Story lake, this is considered Poor.
Balsam Lake has been monitored by volunteers since 1995. Volunteers monitor water clarity with a black and white Secchi disk. Some also collect water samples, which are sent to the State Lab of Hygiene to be analyzed. Volunteers are the source of the majority of Wisconsin's lake water quality data, and their dedication is greatly appreciated. Additional monitoring has been done through projects funded in part by DNR Lake Grants and Aquatic Invasive Species Grants. Reports and graphs featuring data collected by volunteers, DNR staff and others can be viewed below.
Water Quality Reports and Graphs
| Station Name | Station ID | Map | Max Year | Reports |
|---|
| Balsam Lake - CT-1 | 10052471 | Map | 2019 | Details |
| Balsam Lake - CT-2 | 10052472 | Map | 2019 | Details |
| Balsam Lake - CT-5 | 10052475 | Map | 2019 | Details |
| Balsam Lake - CT-6 | 10052476 | Map | 2019 | Details |
| Balsam Lake - Deep Hole - North End | 663150 | Map | 2020 | Details |
| Balsam Lake - Deep Hole Near Birchwood WI | 663045 | Map | 2024 | Details |
| Balsam Lake at State Trail - HWY 48 | 10052417 | Map | 2020 | Details |
| Unnamed (Mud Lake) (Off Balsam Lake) - Deep Hole | 663165 | Map | 2007 | Details |