Washburn County, Wisconsin
LC11
2112800
325.39
Water is impaired due to one or more pollutants and associated quality impacts.
Notes
Balsam Lake was evaluated for phosphorus and algae every two years between 2016 and 2024. Phosphorus levels were found to be too high, which was reflected in algal blooms. This lake is covered by a restoration plan: A Water Quality Strategy for the Land and Waters of the Red Cedar River Basin (expires 2026).Pollutant
Total Phosphorus
Listed For
Recreation
Impairments
Excess Algal Growth, Eutrophication
Current Use
Restricted Recreation
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
Recreation
Priority
Low
Designated Use
Recreation
303(d) ID
2016-245
Listing Date
4/1/2016
Impaired Water Notes
This water was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; new total phosphorus sample data overwhelmingly exceeded 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use, and chlorophyll data also exceeded both thresholds.
Date
7/14/2017
Impaired Water Notes
This water was assessed during the 2016 listing cycle; total phosphorus sample data exceed 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use, however chlorophyll data do not exceed REC or FAL thresholds.
Date
8/19/2015
Impaired Water Notes
This water was assessed during the 2020 listing cycle; total phosphorus and chlorophyll sample data exceeded 2020 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use. This lake is covered by the following restoration plan and was classified as Category 5W as a result: A Water Quality Strategy for the Land and Waters of the Red Cedar River Basin (2026).
Date
7/23/2019
Impaired Water Notes
This water was assessed during the 2022 listing cycle; total phosphorus and chlorophyll sample data exceeded 2022 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use.
Date
5/26/2021