Water Quality Update for Friday, June 10, 2026 | | |
Water Quality Updates
Welcome to our first weekly water quality update of the season. This time of year - we transition from our monthly 'Lake Matters' E-news to our weekly updates - to keep everyone informed about the current conditions on the lake.
Our weekly updates will always start off with our 'Data Dashboard' as seen above, followed by 'The Lake This Week' where we summarize the data and anything else we have been seeing.
When there are HABs reported - we will provide information about those - as well as general lake related news and articles & information about upcoming events. If you are out on the lake and see something unusual - or even just fun! - please take a picture and send it our way. Its a big lake - and we rely on you - our members and supporters - to help us be the voice for the lake!
| | July 9th was a hot and sunny day on the lake - the hottest day of the week. View looking south from Canandaigua Yacht Club. | | |
The Lake This Week
The temperatures increased all week with Thursday being the hottest day - and now things are a bit cooler and cloudier on Friday to end the week. Water clarity has stayed fairly consistent these past few weeks - with a slight uptick this week. Lake level is right where it should be on the guide curve - having come back down after the high waters this spring. No HABs were reported this week on our lake.
| | Graph showing weekly average secchi disk depths and surface water temps collected by CLWA's citizen science volunteers | | Lake Level chart with guide curve provided by Canandaigua Water Resource Recovery Facility. Red line is 2026 level to date, Green line is 2025. You can see the lake level live online here. | | |
In this weeks update:
- Lakes Appreciation Month
- New Weather Station Up and Running
- HABs 101 - Review and reminder to start off the season
- Summer Photo Contest
- Upcoming events
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July is Lakes Appreciation Month
This week, as part of Lakes Appreciation Month, New York State Senator Pam Helming and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey presented CLWA with a NY State Legislative Resolution recognizing the critical role lakes play in New York State’s economic and environmental health and honoring CLWA’s work stewarding the health of the Canandaigua Lake and its watershed.
CLWA is so honored to receive this recognition from our local elected officials and we are excited to join in celebrating the beautiful waters right in our backyard. Some highlights from our work in 2025 include:
- 74 trained volunteers for our citizen science programs
- 102 research and monitoring locations in the watershed
- 3,499 students received watershed education experiences
- 28 partner organizations supported our mission
| Senator Pam Helming and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey joined CLWA staff and board members at the lake to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month and honor the work of CLWA as the Voice for Canandaigua Lake. | |
New Canandaigua Lake Weather Station Up and Running
We are thrilled to share that our new weather station is up and running. This weather station will be part of the larger NEWA network - which is a partnership of the Northeast Regional Climate Center, Cornell IPM, and Cornell University. It is still getting tied into the network this week - but the live weather data is already available online on our public dashboard.
| Thanks to our dedicated crew of citizen science volunteers who worked with Canandaigua BoatWorks staff to install the weather station at the beginning of the month. | |
Every Raindrop Tells A Story
Rainfall, wind, air temperature and other weather conditions all influence the health of Canandaigua Lake. This station now continuously collects local weather data that helps the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and its partners better understand what is happening in the lake—and why.
Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms
Weather plays a major role in when and where harmful algal blooms (HABs) develop. This station helps us study how:
- Wind moves blooms around the lake
- Warm temperatures encourage bloom growth
- Rainfall influences nutrient inputs that can fuel blooms
Combined with our volunteer HAB monitoring program, these data help us better understand bloom conditions throughout the season.
Supporting Stream Monitoring
CLWA is monitoring Deep Run and Gage Gully streams - measuring water flow and nutrients including phosphorus, nitrogen, and other water quality indicators. This weather data will allow us to connect rainfall events with changes in stream flow and nutrient loading, helping identify how the watershed affects lake water quality.
This weather station was purchased by CLWA using grant funds from the Ontario County Water Resource Council. Thank you to Canandaigua BoatWorks for partnering with us by installing the station at their marina.
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HABs Update
No harmful algae bloom (HAB) reports came in this week. No reports have come in from our volunteers to date this season - however there was one public report submitted to the NYSDEC on June 12 at Deep Run Park that can be found on the NYHABs map. Our first confirmed bloom in 2024 was 6/20/24 and our first confirmed bloom in 2025 was not until 7/28/25. With the warm weather predicted for next week - we should all be keeping an eye out and always remember to avoid any water that looks discolored. When in doubt - stay out!
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Stay informed so you can enjoy Canandaigua - or other New York Lakes - safely and confidently this summer.
We have a map on our website homepage for Canandaigua Lake reported blooms from our volunteers.
NYHABS Map
The link below leads to the NYHABS interactive map and displays the location of HABs in New York State. Each blue dot outlined in black represents a HAB reported in the past 2 weeks. There may be other waterbodies with HABs that have not been reported to DEC. All reports through our monitoring program are shown on our own map on our website. CLWA staff uploads all HABs report to the NYHABs database that we receive through our trained volunteers. You can also upload a HABS report directly to DEC here.
Visit NYHABS map here NYHABs map on July 10 shown below.
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About HABs
Cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae because of their color, are among the oldest organisms on Earth. They are naturally occurring in our lakes, generally in low numbers.
When triggered by the perfect storm of conditions - such as heavy rains followed by a few days of warm weather with calm winds - cyanobacteria may begin to increase, forming “blooms”. HABs can appear quickly and persist for hours or days, or they can disappear almost as quickly as they formed.
Since previous research informs us that high levels of toxins (microcystin) may accompany the blooms, humans and our pets should avoid coming into contact with the water when an active bloom is observed.
How to identify blooms
Use visual cues to identify potential blooms. They can appear like pea soup, spilled paint, surface streaks or scum. The color is typically green, blue-green, or yellow, but can also be brown, red, or purple. When blooms are discovered, they are usually found along shorelines or in cove areas. They are most often seen along the stretch of shoreline that is impacted by the prevailing winds. However, during significant bloom events, sometimes they can be found in open water areas.
Visit the NYS DEC website to learn more about identifying blooms.
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Remember - conditions can change rapidly. Please use caution when out on the lake and look for characteristics of HABs including water that looks like:
- Pea soup, spilled paint, surface streaks or scum
- Color's that are typically green, blue-green or yellow but can also be brown, red or purple
- Typically found along shorelines or coves
Please, to keep yourselves and pets safe, avoid any water conditions that appear to be bloom-like. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at 585-394-5030 with any questions or email us at HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org if you are concerned about water quality. Sending us photos of the water is strongly encouraged. Have a wonderful weekend and stay tuned.
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What should you do if you suspect a bloom
When in doubt, stay out!
- Don't swim, wade, jetski, waterski or tube in a bloom.
- Shower if exposed to bloom conditions. Wash pets off if they have gone into bloom-infested waters.
- Don't consume fish from the lake during blooms.
- Do not use PRIVATE water drawn from the lake during a bloom. Public water supplies have safeguards in place and can be utilized unless you are otherwise notified.
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Report the bloom to the NYSDEC NYHABs portal: on.ny.gov/habform
| | This Month is Packed with Exciting Partnerships! | |
'Savor the Flavor. Support the Lake' Partnership Is Back! | | |
Now in its second year, the collaboration between Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake, Heron Hill Winery, and CLWA brings together local food, Finger Lakes wine, and lake stewardship to inspire residents and visitors alike to help protect the lake that make Canandaigua such a special place to live, work, and visit.
From July 1st through September 30, Nolan's will once again feature a limited-edition Heron Hill Winery Chardonnay in support of CLWA. A portion of every bottle sold will be donated to CLWA to advance our mission of protecting, preserving, and restoring Canandaigua Lake through science, education, and advocacy. Read all about the partnership here in the Democrat and Chronicle.
| | Jack Johnson Match Campaign | CLWA had a blast in the Village Green on July 1st at the Jack Johnson concert at CMAC. It was an amazing opportunity to engage with community members and talk about CLWA's work in the Canandaigua Lake Watershed. We even got to meet Jack himself before the concert! | As part of our partnership with Jack Johnson's All At Once Foundation, we have another incredible opportunity. Donations up to $2,500 made to CLWA now through October will be MATCHED by the Johnson Ohana Foundation. Donate below, and you will DOUBLE your impact in protecting Canandaigua Lake! | Make a Splash Campaign with Wegmans | | |
The Make A Splash Campain is up and running again this year in Wegmans, which started on July 1st and will be running through the end of September. It was an incredibly successful campain in 2025, raising $29,250 to support The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council (CLWC) and Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association (CLWA) projects and programs that protect and restore the Canandaigua Lake watershed.
The Wegmans campaign invites customers to join in lake protection by purchasing a limited edition Make a Splash reusable bag and/or contributing through donation at checkout at the Canandaigua store. Funds raised through the campaign are shared equally between the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council and the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association.
We are so grateful to Wegmans and to all of the Canandaigua Lake community members who participated in the 2025 Make A Splash Campaign. We have no doubt that this powerful community collaboration will once again be a huge success in 2026 in order to help fund lake protection effots. We offer our sincerest gratitude to you all for your continued support and generosity.
| | CLWA Photo and Video Contest | | |
The CLWA Annual Photo & Video Contest is underway. We have many fabulous entries already! Keep them coming! Please share your photos and videos of our gorgeous watershed throughout the seasons today for the chance to win great local prizes! The winning photos are featured on our calendar and notecards every year.
- Voting begins July 1
- Entry Period Closes August 15
- Winners Announced by August 29
| Rain Gardens for a Healthier Canandaigua Lake | |
When: Tuesday, July 14th at 6:00 PM
Where: The Wood Library, 134 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join CLWA's Executive Director Emily DeBolt for a special talk during Lakes Appreciation Month focused on how rain gardens can help protect Canandaigua Lake in partnership with The Wood Library. Learn how these simple, attractive landscape features capture and filter stormwater, reducing runoff that carries nutrients and pollutants into the lake. We’ll cover how rain gardens work, where to place them, what plants to use, and how homeowners can install and maintain their own. We will have a chance to see some plants in action in the new rain garden in the Wood Library's garden.
| | | Community Science Boat Trip with CLWA Educators and Seager Marine's Freedom Boat Club | |
When: Wednesday, July 15 with sessions at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Where: Seager Marine, 811 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Have you ever wondered how scientists monitor the health of Canandaigua Lake?
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience it firsthand on a guided, 45 minute pontoon boat excursion, generously provided by the Seager Marine's Freedom Boat Club. This immersive field experience brings lake science to life as you participate in real data collection and sampling techniques used by environmental professionals. During this experience you’ll get to:
- Conduct plankton tows to observe algae and other microscopic organisms that form the foundation of aquatic food webs
- Deploy a Van Dorn sampler to collect water from below the surface for chemical analysis
- Watch a bottom dredge in action as it retrieves a “bite” of lakebed sediment for study
Throughout the trip, experts will share insights on critical issues impacting the lake, including zebra and quagga mussels, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and the effects of nutrient runoff on water quality.
Join us for an engaging and informative journey beneath the surface of one of our region’s most valuable natural resources.
| | Invasive Species Pull with Finger Lakes PRISM and CLWA | | |
When: Thursday, July 23rd, 12 – 2 PM
Where: Kershaw Park, 155 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join the FLPRISM and CLWA at Kershaw Park to learn how to identify native and invasive aquatic species, understand their impact on our ecosystems, and gain the knowledge you need to survey on your own.
| | Invasive Species Pull with FLPRISM and CLWA | | |
When: Wednesday, July 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Woodville Boat Launch, Rte 21, 3 miles north of Naples
Join the CLWA and the Finger Lakes PRISM in the West River in Naples to pull Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).
Event Details:
- AIS removal will focus on European frogbit and water chestnut
- PRISM can provide watercrafts for some people – let us know in the registration form if you need one
- Receive a quick lesson on AIS at the launch
- Please wear appropriate attire for paddling
- Bring plenty of water and a snack if you’d like
Thank you for volunteering to help manage invasive species in our watershed!
| | The Canandaigua Mile Race (and Walk) and Clean-Up | |
When: Sunday, August 2nd, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Up to 200 racers will take off on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua at 8:30 am on Sunday August 2nd to race the fastest mile in the Finger Lakes. The race is also open to folks that just want to walk and support the cause! The race will conclude with a post-race party at New York Kitchen. A huge thank you to NY Kitchen for donating their space for the after party!
Also, during and following the post race party, there will be a lake shoreline cleanup event in partnership with the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association to raise awareness for water quality and reduce trash in the community of Canandaigua. We hope you can join us!
A huge thank you goes out to Abbie Sullivan, A.J. Beers and their amazing team for all their time and effort in organizing this fabulous event for the fourth year in a row and for their passion to raise awareness on water quality issues. Every year they have generously donated proceeds to CLWA to help fund lake protection efforts. We are so grateful for your support.
| | Join or renew your 2026 CLWA membership today! | |
Thank you for being a valued member of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association (CLWA). Because of your support, we’re able to protect and preserve the lake we all care so deeply about – and serve as a strong, trusted voice for the lake and its future.
Now is the time to renew your 2026 membership and help ensure Canandaigua Lake remains healthy for today and future generations. If you already renewed this year -- thank you!
With over 600 supporters and 85+ dedicated volunteers, only CLWA connects and communicates with our community about vital science-based information to help safeguard the lake and inspire a culture of stewardship. As advocates and the voice for the lake, we use citizen science, education, and outreach to empower our community to take meaningful action.
Every dollar you give fuels the science, education, outreach, and advocacy needed to protect Canandaigua Lake as a vibrant and cherished resource.
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The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Our Tax ID is 16-1071349.
Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. A copy of the organization’s most recent financial report may be obtained from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, by calling (212) 416-8686, or by visiting www.charitiesnys.com. You may also request recent financial reports by contacting CLWA directly at 144 Mill Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or by calling (585) 394-5030.
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