News

An Update on Our Lake Level Efforts

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) continues to work with state officials, regulatory agencies, and community leaders to address ongoing lake level concerns and advocate for improved lake level management. As these discussions and efforts move forward, we want to keep our members and the broader community informed about the steps being taken, the progress being made, and what’s next.

On October 14, Pure Waters representatives participated in a follow-up meeting with New York State Senator Pam Helming (NY Senate District 54) and other stakeholders. The discussion built on an initial June 12 meeting with representatives from the NYS Canal Corporation, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Relevate Power, and New York Power Authority, when concerns centered on extremely high water levels, shoreline damage, and the need for faster permitting and improved emergency flood response procedures.

Here’s an update on where things stand and what we’re working toward:

• Seneca Falls Dam Leak: On August 13, Pure Waters filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the ongoing leak at the Seneca Falls Dam. The leak is estimated to have contributed approximately 10.5 inches to the lake’s decline. During the October meeting, participants learned that Relevate Power had not yet submitted the necessary permit application for repairs. Senator Helming strongly urged the company to expedite the permitting and repair process.
• Impacts of Low Lake Levels: Seneca Lake is now nearly two feet below the Hanson Curve target levels, creating challenges for shoreline residents. Some property owners are struggling to draw water from shoreline wells, boaters have been forced to remove boats earlier than usual, and the Town of Hector has issued water conservation advisories. Pure Waters continues to raise these concerns with officials and advocate for timely action.
• Shoreline Repair Permitting: Following high water levels earlier this year, shoreline property owners have faced lengthy permitting processes to repair damage. At the June meeting, Senator Helming called on DEC to expedite permitting, similar to measures previously taken for Lake Ontario. However, delays remain a concern, including wetlands-related reviews that may add three months or more to the process. Senator Helming has requested that DEC clarify its policies regarding flood-related repairs and plans to pursue further discussions. A potential educational webinar to help residents navigate permitting requirements was also discussed.
• Long-Term Lake Level Management: Pure Waters is also raising questions about whether current canal operating priorities adequately reflect the needs of Seneca Lake and its shoreline communities. We believe it’s important to examine how the lake’s water supply, environmental, recreational, and shoreline needs are considered alongside canal operations. Addressing these questions will require further study and coordination among multiple agencies, but could lead to meaningful long-term improvements.

What’s Next?

Senator Helming continues to play an active role in bringing agencies and stakeholders together to address these challenges. While some issues will take time to resolve, Pure Waters remains committed to advocating for timely repairs to the Seneca Falls Dam, improvements to the shoreline permitting process, and better long-term lake level management. We’ll continue keeping our members and the community informed as these efforts move forward.

Learn more about Pure Waters

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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 a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.