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As we head into the second half of August, two things are worth watching on Seneca Lake: the continued absence of confirmed HABs and the lake’s low water level.
Still No Confirmed HABs
Another week has passed with no confirmed HABs reported on Seneca Lake. While we can never know exactly when or why blooms will form, water temperatures have been cooler this year than in recent years. Before 2024, the third week of August was typically when we began seeing our first HAB activity, with more significant bloom activity developing around Labor Day and continuing through September. If that pattern returns this year, we could begin seeing activity within the next couple of weeks.
Conditions can change quickly, so now is an important time to continue watching the water and reporting suspected blooms.
Lake Level Remains Low
The low lake level is also something we are watching closely. Seneca Lake is now at essentially the same level it was on August 21 last year, before levels continued to decline through late August and September.
Boaters, shoreline property owners, and others who use the lake should be aware of the potential for continued low water levels and plan accordingly. Recent years have brought very dry conditions in late summer and fall, and we are again seeing dry conditions this August.
The ongoing leak at the Seneca Falls dam could contribute to additional water loss. Pure Waters continues to follow this issue closely and advocate for action to protect Seneca Lake.
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