As fall settles over the Finger Lakes, the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association has issued its final weekly water quality update for 2025—offering a hopeful outlook as the harmful algal bloom (HABs) season winds down.
While three new HABs were confirmed between October 3 and 9, Pure Waters reports the 2025 season was significantly milder than last year. A total of 114 confirmed blooms were documented this summer, compared to 336 in 2024—one of the lake’s most active bloom years to date.
Lake snapshot for October 3–9:
- Lake Level: 444.92 ft
- Surface Temperature: 65.8°F
- Turbidity: 1.18 NTU
- Dissolved Oxygen: 99.6%
Despite the encouraging drop in bloom numbers, officials stress that HABs are still a recurring challenge in Seneca Lake and across the region. Pure Waters’ 100 volunteers, covering nearly 80 monitoring zones, have been instrumental in tracking these blooms and responding to real-time reports.
The group now shifts into its monthly update schedule and continues active monitoring through stream sampling, shoreline protection, and pollution-reduction projects.
Spotlight on volunteers
This week, Pure Waters recognized longtime volunteer Dan Corbett, who has been collecting water samples since 2014. Alongside his wife, Laurie, Corbett helps monitor pollutants like E. coli and phosphorus—especially after high-flow storm events.
Get involved
- Free Webinar (Nov. 3): Learn how invasive species like spotted lanternfly and tree-of-heaven are threatening Finger Lakes vineyards and ecosystems.
- Listen: The latest FLX Morning Podcast features Sediment, Nutrient & Pollution Reduction Chair Stu Messur, who dives into strategies for protecting Seneca Lake.
- Fall Stewardship Tips: Mulch leaves, plant native species, and secure docks and furniture to help reduce runoff and prevent erosion heading into winter.
Pure Waters encourages residents to stay connected via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and to consider donating or becoming a member to support lake protection year-round.
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