Eutrophic is one adjective used to describe the level of biological productivity of a waterbody.

Of the four trophic state categories, the eutrophic state is defined as having a high level of biological productivity, second only to the hypereutrophic category.

Eutrophic waterbodies may be algae-dominated or plant-dominated.

A eutrophic waterbody may have green, cloudy water, indicating lots of algae growth in the water.

On the other hand, when submersed aquatic plants dominate a eutrophic waterbody (instead of algae), chlorophyll concentrations and nutrient concentrations will be lower and the water will be clearer. Secchi depth readings will be higher than they would be in eutrophic waterbodies having fewer submersed plants and more algae.

So, despite being classified as eutrophic, these plant-dominated waterbodies display clear water, low chlorophyll concentrations, and low nutrient concentrations that are more characteristic of mesotrophic or oligotrophic waterbodies.

• Regardless of whether eutrophic waterbodies are plant-dominated or algae-dominated, they generally have a layer of sediment on the bottom resulting from the long-term accumulation of plant debris. In some eutrophic lakes, however, the action of wind and waves can create beaches or sandy-bottom areas in localized areas.

• Eutrophic waterbodies can have occasional algal blooms and fish kills. However, fish kills generally occur in hypereutrophic lakes when chlorophyll concentrations exceed 100 mg/L.