East Texas Lake Ranked Among Top 10 Dirtiest in America

Richland-Chambers Reservoir scores high on pollution metrics in new national study.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A recent study analyzing water quality data from 100 of the largest lakes in the U.S. has found that Richland-Chambers Reservoir in East Texas ranks among the top 10 dirtiest lakes in the country, with an overall pollution score of 5.60 out of 10. The study measured factors like dissolved oxygen, ammonia, lead, phosphorus, and turbidity to determine the rankings.

Why it matters

While the listing doesn't necessarily mean the lake is unsafe for recreational use, it does highlight ongoing environmental concerns about water quality in the region. The findings could impact tourism and property values around the lake, and may prompt further study and cleanup efforts by local authorities.

The details

The study, conducted using data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council, evaluated 100 major lakes across the U.S. on a range of pollution metrics. Richland-Chambers Reservoir in East Texas received an overall score of 5.60, placing it 7th on the list of the country's dirtiest lakes. Another Texas lake, Lake Texoma on the Oklahoma border, ranked 3rd with a score of 7.16.

  • The study was recently published in February 2026.

The players

Richland-Chambers Reservoir

A major lake located in East Texas that was found to be one of the top 10 dirtiest lakes in America based on a recent national water quality study.

National Water Quality Monitoring Council

The organization that provided the data used in the study to evaluate and rank the water quality of 100 major lakes across the United States.

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The takeaway

The poor water quality ranking for Richland-Chambers Reservoir underscores the need for continued environmental monitoring and potential cleanup efforts to address pollution issues in East Texas lakes. As a popular recreational destination, maintaining healthy waterways is crucial for the local economy and public health.