News

Clean Water Is the Foundation of Everything

GENEVA, N.Y. – When people think about protecting Seneca Lake, they often picture environmental advocacy in isolation. But during a recent conversation on the FLX Morning Show, Ben Klein, Association Director of Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters), emphasized that the work is about much more than conservation alone, likening the organization to a small business that relies on hundreds of people—many of them volunteers—to operate effectively. On any given day, Klein balances immediate needs with long-term planning, supporting staff and interns, coordinating more than 170 volunteers, working with business partners and other lake associations, and keeping an eye on priorities six months to a year down the road. “There are a lot of spinning plates,” he said, “and a few balls in the air, too.”

A perspective shaped by experience
Before stepping into his current role, Klein spent nearly a decade covering Seneca Lake as a journalist. That experience gave him a deep understanding of both the lake itself and the complex challenges it faces — and how closely those challenges are tied to everyday life in the region. “Everything flows from clean water,” Klein says. “You can’t have a strong economy, good jobs, rising property values, or a tourism industry without it.” More than 100,000 people live within the Seneca Lake watershed. For them — and for the businesses, farms, wineries, and communities that depend on the lake — clean water isn’t optional. It’s foundational. “Regardless of political views or personal beliefs, we all need clean water to drink,” Klein says. “Without it, everything starts to fall apart.”

Clean water and a strong economy go hand in hand
One common misconception Klein frequently encounters is the idea that protecting water quality limits economic activity. In reality, he says, the opposite is true. “Guaranteeing clean water ensures that the region’s economy can remain strong and continue to grow,” he explains. “People come here for the lake and the wine. They swim here. They visit. Then they start thinking about retiring here, buying a vacation home, or moving here permanently.” When water quality is compromised — whether by harmful algal blooms or other threats — that momentum stops. “If people are told they shouldn’t swim, or that their dog could get sick, that doesn’t encourage them to come back,” Klein says. “Protecting the lake protects the future of the region.”

Powered by volunteers and citizen science
At the heart of Pure Waters’ work is an extraordinary volunteer network — one Klein says is among the best he’s seen in his career. “They’re the backbone of everything we do,” he says. “They’re trained, dedicated, and generous with their time and energy.” Through citizen science programs, volunteers help monitor lake conditions, identify emerging issues, and track down their sources. That information allows the Association to work toward practical, science-based solutions that support both environmental health and community needs. “It’s truly an all-hands-on-deck effort,” Klein says. “The lake’s success is tied to everyone’s success.”

A resource of statewide importance
Seneca Lake’s significance extends well beyond the Finger Lakes. New York State holds more than half of the surface freshwater in the entire United States — and Seneca Lake alone contains more than half of the water in the Finger Lakes. “People think of New York as an urban state,” Klein says. “But it’s actually a jewel of natural resources, and freshwater is one of its most valuable assets.” Protecting Seneca Lake, he says, means protecting what makes New York a place where people want to live, work, and raise families.

Get involved
Those interested in learning more, volunteering, or supporting clean water efforts can visit senecalake.org to explore programs and opportunities. “And if someone really wants to dig in,” Klein adds, “I encourage them to reach out directly. I’m always happy to talk through how people can get involved and help protect the lake.”

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/
To learn more about volunteering: https://senecalake.org/volunteer-opportunities/

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.