Are brown lakes dirty?

Clear lakes with low algae and other organic material are often blue in color (left), while lakes that have high nutrients and algae are green in color (center) and lakes that heavily forested watersheds, wetlands, or bogs around them may appear brown in color (right).



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The tannins stain the water a light shade of brown. You can safely enjoy tannin-stained lake water, just as you would a cup of tea or coffee. Lakes can also appear brown (or simply murky) when sediment is suspended in the water.

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In addition to phosphorus, body oils, and other pollutants, bathing in lakes can contribute bacteria and viruses at higher amounts than just swimming.

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Washing oneself with soap of any kind in a lake, pond, river, or ocean is terrible for the environment. Even if the bottle is labeled biodegradable, natural, or organic, it's still bad.

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Pools also tend to be much cleaner than natural lakes. This is because most pool owners take extra care to make sure the pool is sanitized, oxidized, and pH balanced on a regular basis. You're far less likely to pick up an infection from swimming in the local pool.

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Smelly or Discolored Water The smell or appearance of water can also indicate water pollution. Water contaminated with sulfur or certain bacteria will emit the smell of rotten eggs. High iron levels give water an orange color. High manganese levels will cause water to look purple or black.

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Water can also appear murky due to the presence of planktonic algae, which are microscopic organisms that create visually dense blooms on the water's surface. Planktonic algae are known to appear in blue, green, brown, and red colors, which are most apparent around the shoreline.

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