Seneca Lake News

Blog Archives
Boat Launch Watkins Glen. Photo Credit: Steve Grzezdzinski
October 29, 2026

Low Lake Levels: What Shoreline Residents Are Reporting

GENEVA, N.Y. – As Seneca Lake continues to experience low water levels, shoreline residents are reporting growing concerns about water access, exposed intake pipes, and the potential for freezing temperatures to create additional challenges this winter. We recently launched a Shore Well & Water Access Survey to better understand how low lake levels are affecting...
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PFAS Update, Photo of Seneca Lake by Kelly Blackhurst
October 28, 2026

PFAS in Seneca Lake: New Research and Remediation Updates

GENEVA, N.Y. – New research from Cornell University is providing a closer look at PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” across the Finger Lakes, including Seneca Lake. The research builds on growing regional efforts to better understand the presence of these chemicals in local waterways and their potential impacts on water quality. In 2024, Seneca...
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Public Comments
October 27, 2026

Pure Waters Calls for Stronger Environmental Review of Data Centers

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) recently submitted formal comments to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), calling for a more comprehensive evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of large-scale data centers and related electrical infrastructure. The comments, developed by Pure Waters’ Vulcan Committee, were submitted as part of...
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LakeWatch Photo by Sophie Riskie
October 23, 2026

Fall 2026 LakeWatch Newsletter Now Available!

Geneva, N.Y. – We are excited to share the Fall 2026 edition of LakeWatch! From changing lake conditions and conservation projects to community partnerships and volunteer efforts, this issue highlights the people and programs working to protect Seneca Lake and its watershed. Inside this issue: Watching the Lake Together: HABs, Cladophora, and changing lake conditions Conservation...
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FERC Update
September 24, 2026

Lake Level Update: Where Things Stand

GENEVA, N.Y. – We continue to hear questions and concerns from residents about Seneca Lake levels and the malfunction of low-level Gate #4 at the Seneca Falls Development. Those concerns are understandable, especially after a year that has created issues for homeowners, boaters, and more due to high and low water conditions. Pure Waters has...
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Vulcan Infrastructure and Power
September 11, 2026

Pure Waters Supports Moratorium on Data Center Development

GENEVA, N.Y. – Greenidge Generation in Dresden has been pivoting from its Bitcoin mining business to an AI Data Center. Their transition involves a name change to Vulcan Infrastructure and Power (VIP). There has been pushback on Data Centers around the country and in NYS. Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order to establish a 1...
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Volunteer Recognition: The Rose Family Foundation
September 11, 2026

Seneca Lake Pure Waters 2026 Volunteer Recognition

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) is proud to recognize the volunteers, community partners, and continuous supporters whose dedication makes the work to protect Seneca Lake possible. Over 170 volunteers contribute their time and expertise to water quality monitoring, environmental stewardship, education, outreach, and other programs throughout the Seneca Lake watershed. ...
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Eight years ago we were very glad to see the NYS Canal Corporation and Sessler Brothers show up.
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...
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Benthic Cyanobacteria
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),...
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LaBarr Farms
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...
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