Sediment, Nutrient, & Pollution Reduction Program
The most effective way to improve water quality is to keep sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants from reaching Seneca Lake in the first place.
Pure Waters’ Sediment, Nutrient, and Pollution Reduction Program, known as SNPR, partners with County Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other watershed organizations to fund projects that reduce erosion, improve stormwater management, and prevent pollution from entering the lake and its tributaries.
How SNPR Protects the Watershed
SNPR supports practical projects that reduce runoff, stabilize vulnerable areas, and improve the watershed’s ability to absorb and manage stormwater.
Projects may include:
- Cover crops and other agricultural conservation practices
- Streambank and drainage-channel stabilization
- Water and sediment control basins
- Stormwater retention ponds
- Roadside ditch stabilization and hydroseeding
- Wetland and vernal pool restoration
- Riparian buffers and vegetated areas
- Improvements to manure and nutrient management systems
Each project is selected based on its environmental benefit, readiness for implementation, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with the Seneca-Keuka Nine Element Watershed Management Plan.
Recent Impact: 2025–2026 Highlights
Pictured: Native tree planting at the Kashong Conservation Area, supported through Pure Waters’ SNPR program.
Working Upstream
In 2025–2026, Pure Waters invested $35,000 in four projects that reduce erosion, improve stormwater management, and keep sediment and nutrients out of Seneca Lake. The Association also committed $29,000 toward four additional projects, leveraging approximately $156,000 in total project investment. Together, these projects are expected to prevent an estimated 256 tons of sediment, 224 pounds of phosphorus, and 530 pounds of nitrogen from entering the lake each year.
One example is a project along Wilson Creek, where a major storm caused erosion along an agricultural drainage channel that threatened to carry large amounts of sediment into the creek. In partnership with the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District, Pure Waters helped stabilize the channel with rock grade-control structures and restored the banks, reducing future erosion and protecting water quality downstream.
How You Can Help
Pure Waters welcomes project proposals from County Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other eligible watershed partners.
Projects are evaluated based on:
- Alignment with Pure Waters’ mission and watershed priorities
- Measurable water quality benefits
- Cost-effectiveness
- Readiness for implementation
- Opportunities to leverage additional funding
For information about project eligibility or the application process, email info@senecalake.org.
Major storms can quickly create erosion, flooding, and runoff problems that threaten nearby streams and the lake.
Pure Waters established a $20,000 SNPR Contingent Fund to provide rapid support for urgent watershed protection projects. This fund allows Pure Waters and its partners to act quickly when immediate repairs can prevent significant amounts of sediment and nutrients from reaching Seneca Lake.
