Currently, increasing levels of pollution have placed the lakes on the Environmental Protection Agency's “Impaired” list. The water quality of Chetek Lakes has degraded considerably since they were last studied in 1996.

Can you swim in Lake Chetek?

CHETEK LAKE

It is a recreational lake and is surrounded on most of its area by permanent residences, summer homes, resorts, and the City of Chetek. The city operates a public swimming beach during the summer months and a large public boat landing is located near the city Airport on Lakeview Drive.

Why is Lake Chetek green?

Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. When environmental conditions are just right, blue-green algae can increase in number.