Elkhart 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 43 (Mesotrophic) and was determined using chlorophyll data. For a Two-Story lake, this is considered Good.

Elkhart Lake has been monitored by volunteers since 1992. 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. Elkhart 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 Elkhart Lake - Deep Hole	10012226	Map	2009	Details
Elkhart Lake	10014825	Map	2022	Details
Elkhart Lake - Deep Hole	603458	Map	2024	Details