Lake Blue (Lake Placid)
Lake Blue, located just off of US 27 just north of the Town of Lake Placid, is a very deep but small sandy bottomed, 'ridge' type lake. Water quality in Lake Blue is good most of the time based on Lakewatch data, but there are occasional increases in nutrients that cause significant increases in nutrients and algae, and a resulting decline in water clarity. These fluctuations are natural for lakes. Phosphorus levels are low and well within expected ranges for lakes of this type, ranging from 5 to 16 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 11 ppb. Total nitrogen in Lake Blue ranges from a very low 210 ppb to a somewhat high 900 ppb ('typical' ridge lake nitrogen levels range from 400-800 ppb), averaging 570 ppb. Nutrient levels appear to increase dramatically every few years in this lake. An increase in nutrients results in an increased growth in algae, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water. Chlorophyll levels in Lake Blue range from 2 to 19 ppb, and average only 5 ppb. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, is usually very good, with occasional declines during algae 'blooms.' Secchi depths range from 5 to 19.5 feet and average 11 feet, making Lake Blue generally a very clear lake. Click here to view water quality data by year.