Monthly Newsletter | October 2026

As October comes to a close, Seneca Lake's water levels appear to have stabilized, but remain unusually low. Pure Waters continues to push for answers about lake level management and repairs to the Seneca Falls dam. On October 23, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) directed C-S Canal Hydro, LLC to respond within 15 days to concerns raised by Pure Waters about inconsistencies in its August and September water management reports. Pure Waters has also requested clarification on plans to address the malfunctioning gate. We've been told that following the end of the canal navigation season on October 14, the plan is for Relevate to lower Van Cleef Lake (between Waterloo and Seneca Falls) so the gate can be inspected. This process is expected to take approximately one month, during which outflow from Seneca Lake will be minimized.

Pictured: Low water levels along Seneca Lake in Dundee, NY. Photo courtesy of a Pure Waters member.

So far, we've received 78 responses to our Shore Well & Water Access Survey, with residents reporting everything from dry shore wells and exposed intake pipes to concerns about freezing temperatures this winter. We're also sharing some potential solutions for protecting water intake systems, though Pure Waters does not endorse any specific products. Read more about what residents are experiencing and the options available.

Read What Shoreline Residents Are Reporting

Another conservation project is complete in the Seneca Lake watershed! Led by the Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District, with partial funding from Pure Waters, the Jim & Nate Henderson Farms project involved reconstructing 1,000 feet of grassed waterway to help reduce erosion and keep sediment and nutrients out of Seneca Lake.

View the Project

Our latest LakeWatch newsletter is out! Explore what we observed on Seneca Lake this summer, emerging water quality trends, conservation projects, community partnerships, and the people working to protect our lake.

Read the Fall LakeWatch

Pure Waters recently submitted formal comments to the New York State Public Service Commission, urging a more comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of large-scale data centers.

Our recommendations focus on protecting water resources, aquatic ecosystems, and surrounding communities as new developments are considered across the Finger Lakes.

Read Our Recommendations

Missed the Recent Community Forum?

Pure Waters President Bill Roege joined local leaders and community members for a discussion about the proposed AI data center on Seneca Lake and its potential impacts.

Watch the Full Forum Recording

In Case You Missed It...

• Spotted Lanternfly Workshop – November 7 – Join the Finger Lakes Institute to learn how to identify and remove spotted lanternfly egg masses.
• Draft Finger Lakes Action Agenda – Review DEC's proposed regional water quality plan and submit public comments by November 23.
• Cornell PFAS Research – Explore new Cornell research on PFAS contamination and revisit Pure Waters' previous testing efforts.
• Natural Shoreline Protection – Discover ways to protect your shoreline, reduce erosion, and support water quality.
• Work for Pure Waters – Have a knack for administrative work? We're hiring a part-time administrative coordinator.

Help Protect Seneca Lake

From water quality monitoring to conservation and education, your support helps us protect and preserve Seneca Lake.