White Lake at a Glance

White Lake is a shallow lake with an average depth of 3.1 m (10 ft), a maximum depth of 9.1 m (30 ft.) and a surface area of 22.7 sq. kms. The land area feeding water into White Lake is only 211 sq. kms. which allows for less than one volume flush per year. There are only a few streams which are active throughout the summer and most of the water which enters the lake after the Spring melt is from springs.

White Lake is a natural alkaline lake, with water levels controlled by a dam at Waba Creek at the Northern end of the lake.

White Lake is classified as a biologically productive lake, which is one that produces large quantities of algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic plants, and animals such as fish.

Studying White Lake

Starting in 2014, Environment Volunteers began the systematic study of White Lake water quality. Many aspects of White Lake, including the chemistry and biology of the lake, have been monitored since that time.

All of the data and interpretative reports resulting from these studies can be found at the White Lake Science and Information Website.