This study was conducted to establish correlations between reflectance spectra, turbidity and chlorophyll a among 22 fresh to alkaline lakes in Nebraska, U.S.A., sampled in June and July of 1994. Peak reflectance ranged from 2-22 per cent between 500 and 600nm. Turbidity and chlorophyll a ranged from 1-82 NTU and 1-17 1 mu gl-1, respectively, with significant correlation (P<0.001) between the two. Reflectance first-derivatives corresponding to wavelengths 429 and 695nm, were significantly correlated with chlorophyll a (P<0.001), and derivatives at 429, 628 and 695nm were significantly correlated with turbidity (P<0.001) despite a wide range in water quality conditions.