News

Water Quality Symposium

Seneca Lake Water Quality Symposium Brings Community Together

May 23, 2025

GENEVA, N.Y. – Dozens of residents, researchers, and water advocates gathered on a rainy Monday in Geneva for the annual Seneca Lake Water Quality Symposium, hosted at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This year marked a milestone for the event as it was held in a hybrid format for the first time, allowing both in-person and virtual attendance.

Despite a few early technical glitches, the symposium ran smoothly and featured a strong lineup of expert speakers who addressed key issues impacting water quality in the Seneca Lake watershed.

Key presentations included:

  • Ian Smith, Seneca Lake Watershed Steward, who shared exciting progress on the Marsh Creek Floodplain Restoration Project—a 22-acre initiative designed to enhance water quality, provide recreational opportunities, and incorporate public feedback into its development.

  • Lexie Davis, Great Lakes Water Resources Scientist, who provided a clear overview of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in New York State, highlighting causes, trends, and monitoring efforts.

  • Richard Smith and Stella Woodward, researchers with Global Aquatic Research LLC, introduced compelling new findings that link HABs, surface foam, and PFAS transport in the Finger Lakes region. They also encouraged public participation in foam reporting as a community science initiative.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration between scientists, local leaders, and concerned citizens in protecting one of the Finger Lakes’ most vital resources.

For those who missed the event—or wish to revisit the discussions—the full recording is now available on YouTube.

Watch the Full Recording

To learn more about future events: https://senecalake.org/events/

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.