ALERT: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been observed in the south eastern end of the lake. LEARN MORE
ALERT: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been observed in the south eastern end of the lake. LEARN MORE
The purity of the lake is largely a function of the watershed, the area that drains into the lake. Our watershed is relatively small, about 4.3 times the area of the lake itself. This means fewer sources of runoff and fewer miles of tributaries that can carry pollutants into the water.
The small watershed represents a big advantage in keeping the lake clean and clear, but serious threats still loom. If we think of the watershed as a giant bowl, any pollutants inside the bowl will eventually work their way to the bottom, which is the lake. Fertilizers applied to your lawn, storm water runoff, microplastics, and other chemicals – these will all flow to the lake. Once in the lake ecosystem, they are difficult and expensive
to manage.
Skaneateles Lake is the only unfiltered natural lake in New York State, and it supplies drinking water to more than 200,000 individuals in Skaneateles, the City of Syracuse, and other towns and villages in Onondaga County. In addition, thousands visit the area each year to enjoy the lake, creating jobs, generating tax revenues, and enhancing property values.
Thanks to its higher elevation and steep slopes, scientists classify our lake as “oligotrophic,” meaning having a low level of plant nutrients and a high level of dissolved oxygen. Generally, this helps limit the amount of algae and other aquatic vegetation, and helps keep the water clear. Working together, we can keep it that way.
