Among the 479,950 lakes in the lower 48 states and an additional 3 million in Alaska, lakes come in various sizes and cleanliness levels. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that nearly 20 percent of the 50,000 lakes they surveyed were affected by chemical fertilizer runoff. This contamination often leads to harmful algae blooms and muck accumulation on lake bottoms, resulting in foul smells and declining fish populations.
However, some lakes remain pristine and crystal clear despite these challenges. According to a new study by A-Z Animals, the cleanest lake in the United States is Lake George in the Adirondacks. Fed by mountain streams and located close to its source, Lake George benefits from minimal pollution. Additionally, much of its deep blue waters are surrounded by protected old-growth forest and the Adirondack Mountains, which help maintain its purity.
Nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George is considered the birthplace of the American vacation. Generations of Americans have spent their summers at the lake, creating cherished memories and enjoying the clean waters. The lake’s long, thin shape boasts over 100 miles of shoreline, including the popular Million Dollar Beach near the town of Lake George, New York. Numerous resorts, campgrounds, and preserves along the lake provide ample access to this watery paradise.
Lake George is not just a haven for swimmers; it is also popular among kayakers, paddleboarders, and water skiers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boat cruises and charters, further enhancing their experience on the lake’s pristine waters.
Following Lake George on the list of cleanest lakes are nine other stunning bodies of water, chosen for their cleanliness and clarity. These include one of the Great Lakes and a high mountain lake in Colorado. Here are the top ten cleanest lakes:
- Lake George — Lake George, New York
- Crater Lake — Klamath County, Oregon
- Lake Michigan — Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin
- Lake Coeur d’Alene — Kootenai County, Idaho
- Lake Tahoe — California and Nevada
- Lake Chelan — North Cascades National Park, Washington
- Hanging Lake — Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
- Flathead Lake — Between Polson and Kalispell, Montana
- Newfound Lake — Grafton County, New Hampshire
- Deer Lake — Itasca County, Minnesota
