News

Lake Level
September 5, 2025

Why is the Lake Level so Low?

GENEVA, N.Y. – This year, Seneca Lake is experiencing unusually low water levels, similar to what we saw in 2020. As of Thursday, September 4, the lake measures 445.34 ft, essentially at the winter target and 6 inches below the summer target low. While these conditions can raise concerns for boaters, shoreline property owners, and...
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Larry Martin
August 27, 2025

Larry Martin of Seneca Lake Pure Waters Receives NYSFOLA Award

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) is thrilled to announce that Larry Martin, a long-time dedicated volunteer and board member, has been honored with the 2025 New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) Lake Steward Award. The award was presented at the annual NYSFOLA conference held May 2-3, 2025, at...
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HWA Treatment
August 14, 2025

Targeted Treatment Aims to Save Local Hemlocks

GENEVA, N.Y. –  Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) has taken an important step to protect local hemlock trees by treating 30 of them on a property in Hector, NY. Each tree was carefully sprayed around the base with a mix of two insecticides that work together — one acts quickly, and the other...
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Mimi Gridley
August 12, 2025

A Lifetime on Seneca Lake

DUNDEE, N.Y. – Seneca Lake became a part of my life the day I was born. In 1934, my grandparents bought an abandoned cottage at Glenora, planting my family’s roots there. The cottage became a gathering place for my father, his two brothers, and their families. In 1960, my parents bought a cabin cruiser, and...
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Pure Brew
July 24, 2025

Pure Brew Week Returns to Protect Seneca Lake

GENEVA, NY – A crisp Pilsner brewed with local ingredients and a clean-water mission is back on tap this summer as PURE Brew Week returns. Crafted by the Seneca Lake Order of Brewers (SLOBs) in collaboration with the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters), PURE Brew 2025 — known as “PURE Pils” — is brewed with 100% New...
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Now Hiring
July 17, 2025

Now Hiring: Association Director for Seneca Lake Pure Waters

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving the water quality of Seneca Lake, is seeking a passionate and experienced Association Director (or Executive Director, commensurate with experience) to lead the organization’s daily operations and growth. For the PDF of the job listing, click here. About UsWe are...
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2025 Auction
July 14, 2025

2025 Seneca Lake Online Auction | Bid to Protect the Lake

GENEVA, N.Y. — Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is excited to announce that its popular 2025 Online Auction is officially open for bidding! Community members, supporters, and lake lovers near and far can bid from anywhere to help protect Seneca Lake water quality and support local conservation efforts. The fully virtual auction runs now through...
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Cladophora
July 1, 2025

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...
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Lake Level
June 27, 2025

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....
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Steve Bromka, Volunteer, Seneca Lake Pure Waters
June 18, 2025

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...
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