% of Vermont’s rivers and lakes (excluding Lake Champlain) that meet State water quality standards for swimming
Current Value
85.00%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
This data is compiled and analyzed every two-years/bi-annually; annual fluctuations are expected due to updated assessment data reflecting the current conditions on our waters. There are over 55,000 acres of lakes in the state of Vermont; of these acres 85% support swimming/recreational uses (75% consistently, and 10% where they are occasionally limited due to conditions that make swimming less desirable at times). The remaining 15% are consistently limited due to aquatic invasive species, and/or cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms. There was no change in the overall condition of the health of Vermont lakes during this most recent reporting period.