McKenzie 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 45 (Mesotrophic) and was determined using chlorophyll data. For a Deep Lowland lake, this is considered Excellent. Deep Lowland lakes stratify, or form separate layers of water, during the summer months and have watersheds greater than 4 square miles in area.

McKenzie Lake has been monitored by volunteers since 1986. 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. McKenzie Lake is also part of DNR's long term trend monitoring project. 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
Big McKenzie Lake - Deep Hole	663129	Map	2023	Details
Big Mckenzie Lake - North Basin	073102	Map	1998	Details
Big Mckenzie Lake - South Basin	073103	Map	1998	Details