As a member of the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is eligible to participate in the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP). Participation in the CSLAP program provides critical information for making management decisions and the data collected supplies NYS with seasonal and long term data patterns.
Trained volunteers collect biweekly water quality data using standard methods to evaluate nutrient enrichment, aquatic weed and algae growth, and recreational quality of the lake. Samples from multiple deep and shallow lake locations are collected for key water quality indices from June through September. Some of the data points collected are:
- Lake Perception
- Water Temperature
- Water Clarity and Color
- Conductivity and pH
- Phosphorus and Nitrogen
- Chlorophyll and Calcium
- Harmful Algal Blooms
- Invasive Species
Water samples are sent to the Upstate Fresh Water Institute in Syracuse, NY for analyses. The lab results and other lake measurements are forwarded to NYSFOLA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Each participating lake receives a report highlighting the year’s sampling results. In addition, results are stored electronically to allow for comparison of historical data and current conditions.
Current Data
DEC is currently providing three separate reports for our lake. One for the site at the north end near Geneva. One for mid-lake near Dresden, and one for the site at the south end close to Watkins Glen. The data dashboard provides access to reports from 2021-2024. Older reports can be accessed as PDF files on our publications page here.
Review the most recent CSLAP Reports for the northern site on Seneca Lake on the DEC data portal
Review the most recent CSLAP Reports for mid-lake on Seneca Lake on the DEC data portal
Review the most recent CSLAP Reports for the southern site on Seneca Lake on the DEC data portal
For the DEC CSLAP Data Dashboard to access all CSLAP reports statewide Click Here.
Watch the video below to learn how CSLAP volunteers collect data for the NYSFOLA run DEC program
Understanding Trophic State:
A Snapshot of Waterbody Health
Trophic state is a measure of a waterbody’s biological productivity. This productivity is influenced by factors such as nutrient levels, light availability, regional climate, watershed characteristics, and the physical shape and depth of the lake or reservoir. Waterbodies are typically categorized into three trophic states:
• Oligotrophic (low productivity, clear water)
• Mesotrophic (moderate productivity)
• Eutrophic (high productivity, murky water)
Thanks to our Pure Waters CSLAP Volunteers we have data available to assess the health of our lake based on trophic state parameters.
Seneca Lake is considered a mesotrophic lake – meaning it is right in the middle with a moderate amount of nutrients supporting productivity.
To assess trophic state, scientists commonly use three indicators: chlorophyll-a concentration, total phosphorus levels, and Secchi depth (a measure of water clarity). Together, these parameters help provide a snapshot of the ecological health of lakes.
