Preserve
Protect & Promote

Welcome to Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.

HABS 101

Learn how to recognize harmful algal blooms (HABs), why they happen, and how Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is monitoring and responding to protect our lake.

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Live Lake-Friendly

As one of over 100,000 residents who use Seneca Lake as a primary water source, you can make a difference in the water quality of Seneca Lake.

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Be a Citizen Scientist

Volunteers and citizen science provides the backbone of our organization, allowing us to further our mission through collaborating with partners and providing education and outreach.

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Make an Impact

Membership dues, donations and grants help to fund our water quality monitoring programs and our efforts to preserve Seneca Lake for future generations.

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Our 2025–2026 Annual Report Is Here!

Our 2025–2026 Annual Report is now available to read online!

Take a look back at the past year of work to protect and preserve Seneca Lake and its watershed — from water quality monitoring and watershed projects to education, community outreach, volunteer efforts, and more.

Read the 2025–2026 Annual Report

Featured Projects

Pure Brew Week

SNPR Projects

HWA

Latest News

September 3, 2026
Looking Back: The 2018 Seneca Lake Flood

GENEVA, N.Y. – Eight years can feel like a long time. And then you come across a photograph from August 2018, and suddenly it doesn’t feel all that long ago. For those who lived through the flooding around Seneca Lake that summer, these images may bring back memories they’d rather leave in the past. For...

August 27, 2026
Benthic Cyanobacteria Identified in Seneca Lake

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) is asking the public to be aware of benthic cyanobacteria following a recent identification in Seneca Lake. Pure Waters recently received several photos of unusual debris in the lake near Lakeshore Landing, north of Sampson State Park. After consultation with the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI),...

August 21, 2026
Water Quality Update: August 21, 2026

GENEVA, N.Y. – As we head into the second half of August, Seneca Lake continues to have no confirmed harmful algal bloom (HAB) reports, while low lake levels remain an area of concern. Pure Waters continues to monitor these conditions closely as we move into late summer. Read the full interactive Water Quality Update for...