Understanding Cladophora: What Green Algae Means for Seneca Lake

GENEVA, N.Y. – If you’ve spent time along Seneca Lake’s shoreline during the summer, you may have noticed green, stringy algae clinging to rocks or washing up in mats along the water’s edge. This is likely Cladophora, a naturally occurring green algae that is common in clear, nutrient-rich freshwater lakes. In small amounts, Cladophora plays a helpful...

Understanding Seneca Lake Water Levels

HIMORD, N.Y. – Water levels in Seneca Lake are a recurring concern for residents, boaters, farmers, and shoreline property owners. Keep reading to explore the main factors affecting the lake’s level and how rainfall, runoff, and human control interact to shape the lake’s daily and seasonal changes. The most direct and visible input is rainfall....

Protecting Seneca Lake: Steve Bromka’s Story

GENEVA, N.Y. – Steve Bromka grew up in Ovid, where his early memories of Seneca Lake were shaped by summer swims at Willard and Sampson State Parks with his mother. Even then, he was struck by the lake’s beauty and serenity. During college, he worked as a summer hire at Sampson State Park, deepening his...

2025 Seneca Lake Summer Guide Now Available

GENEVA, N.Y. – The 2025 edition of our Summer Guide & Business Directory is now available. This resource is designed for anyone who loves Seneca Lake—whether you’re a resident, visitor, volunteer, or business owner. Inside the guide, you’ll find: Water quality updates, including the latest on harmful algal blooms and invasive species Highlights from our...

Seneca Lake Wine Trail Supports Pure Waters Association

GENEVA, N.Y. – For the second year in a row, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail (Wine Trail) has chosen Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) as the beneficiary of its Wine & Experience Auction, held March 21 to 24, 2025. A portion of the proceeds from the auction, totaling $3,645, will go directly to...

Seneca Lake Water Quality Symposium Brings Community Together

GENEVA, N.Y. – Dozens of residents, researchers, and water advocates gathered on a rainy Monday in Geneva for the annual Seneca Lake Water Quality Symposium, hosted at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This year marked a milestone for the event as it was held in a hybrid format for the first time, allowing both in-person...

Rose Family Foundation Funds HWA Project in Seneca Lake

Funding supports efforts to protect vital hemlock trees and preserve water quality in the Seneca Lake watershed GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is thrilled to announce that the Rose Family Foundation is providing over $50,000 in funding to support the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) assessment project. This important milestone allows Pure Waters to map,...

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Launches Store for Lake Protection

Geneva, NY — Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new online store! Now open, the store features a variety of merchandise that lets you show your love for Seneca Lake while directly supporting efforts to protect its natural beauty and health. From apparel and eco-friendly totes...

Be a Steward of Seneca Lake – Join Our Volunteer Team!

Whether you’re a future lake steward like the two boys, or a fourth-generation Seneca Laker who’s spent a lifetime on the water, your help matters. From checking water clarity to planning events, there’s a role for everyone in keeping Seneca Lake clean, healthy, and thriving. As we prepare for a busy 2025 summer season, we’re...

SNPR Program funds 19 projects since inception

Since beginning in 1991, the SNPR Program has now provided funding to 19 different projects throughout the watershed! 2024 was a really exciting year for our Sediment, Nutrient, and Pollution Reduction Program (SNPR). Pure Waters provides the needed local match for larger state and/or federal grant dollars so that best management practices can be implemented...