Four harmful algal blooms popped up on Seneca Lake this past week — all on August 22 — but cooler, rainy weather has helped hold new ones back.
Heading into Labor Day weekend, lake lovers are urged to “look before you leap.” Conditions can change quickly, and HABs (harmful algal blooms) often gather near shorelines and in calm coves.
What’s the lake like right now?
Water temperature was holding steady at 71.2°F, with dissolved oxygen at 101.4%. The lake level sat just below target at 445.45 feet, according to data collected by Finger Lakes Institute, Pure Waters volunteers, and NOAA.
Turbidity — a measure of how clear the water is — came in at 0.593 NTU.
HABs: What to watch for
HABs can look like pea soup, streaks of green paint, or surface scum. They often appear during warm, still weather — and can be dangerous to both people and pets.
If you see something suspicious:
- Avoid contact with the water
- Take photos and note your location
- Report it to the NYS DEC or email Pure Waters at [email protected]
Confirmed blooms show up on the state HABs map and Seneca Lake’s own bloom tracker.
Annual meeting set for September 11
The Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association will hold its annual meeting and volunteer celebration on Thursday, September 11 at The Oasis at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in Hector.
Social hour begins at 5 p.m. with the meeting and recognition program running from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and food will be provided by Wegmans.
Topics this year include:
- Protecting hemlock trees that stabilize streambanks
- Stream flow monitoring to track nutrients and phosphorus
- Insights from shoreline dock sampling
Larry Martin honored with Lake Steward Award
Longtime volunteer Larry Martin was named the 2025 Lake Steward Award winner by the New York State Federation of Lake Associations. Martin is known for his passion, dedication, and strong presence in lake protection efforts.
Last chance to double your donation
Supporters can still give to the Sediment, Nutrient, and Pollution Reduction (SNPR) Program — a campaign that’s helped keep thousands of pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen out of the lake through 21 projects in four years.
Protect your pets
Dogs are especially vulnerable to HABs. If the water looks discolored, scummy, or foamy — keep them out. A helpful guide is available to recognize symptoms and learn what to do if your pet is exposed.
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