lake humic lake In response to historical misuse of the term in literature, these lakes are better referred to as "humic lakes". Although dystrophic lakes are often considered acidic and nutrient-poor (oligotrophic), these lakes actually vary greatly in terms of both pH and productivity. Due to the low pH associated with dystrophic lakes, few bacterial species and other aquatic life are able to survive. They are common in the taiga of North America and Eurasia. dystrophic lake A lake which is composed primarily water with high concentrations of humic substances and organic acids, resulting in brown- or tea-coloured colouration.