Question about Lake Wissota, Wi? water coloration

[CWKboat]

I was recently visited Wisconsin and did some swimming at Lake Wissota, and also Lake Holcombe in N Wisc. I noticed that both lakes have an almost "root beer" type color that seems distinctly different from the lakes in South Carolina that I am accustomed to.

Does anyone know the reason for the root beer type coloration to lakes in that area? Was just curious. I assume the lakes are clean. I just found the hue to be different.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Question about Lake Wissota, Wi? water coloration

I just did a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. The lakes I was on were the same color. The locals said it was the mineral content of the water.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Question about Lake Wissota, Wi? water coloration

The specific mineral is Tannin. It comes primarily from the Cedar trees that populate the area.