Dr. Adam Effler, Executive Director of the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, appeared on Inside Government with Guy Cosentino this week to address growing concerns about harmful algae blooms and water quality issues affecting Owasco Lake and nearby water sources. The discussion comes amid heightened attention to water safety, with recent blooms detected in multiple lakes, including Owasco and Skaneateles for the first time.
Effler, who has led the Watershed Management Council for nearly six years, provided insights on the impact of algae blooms, which have raised questions about the safety of drinking water in the City of Auburn. Tests conducted earlier this fall showed the presence of neurotoxins in the water, though no ban on drinking water was implemented and later tests came back clear.
During the interview, Effler detailed the Council’s ongoing efforts to monitor and manage the watershed to ensure the safety of residents who rely on Owasco Lake for their drinking water. He also addressed Auburn’s legal dispute with New York State over stricter watershed regulations, an issue that has fueled local demand for enhanced water quality protections.
This episode marks the first of two discussions on water quality hosted by Cosentino, who will welcome City Councilor Terry Cuddy, a long-time water quality advocate, next Tuesday. Cuddy is expected to share perspectives on the state’s response and its impact on local water management efforts.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].