Cool, fall-like days made their way this week, but summer warmth returns today (with a chance of rain this weekend).

Those cooler temps and breezy conditions helped keep HABs at bay — but as the weather shifts, blooms can pop up quickly. It’s a great time to check out HABs: Truth or Myth, a fun video from our friends at the Skaneateles Lake Association. You’ll learn how to spot blooms, what’s safe (and what isn’t), and get tips straight from NYS fish safety and HAB guidance.

Snapped a great photo on or around Seneca Lake this summer? We’d love to feature it. Send your pictures to info@senecalake.org.

Current Lake Conditions (Week of August 15–21)

Data from Finger Lakes Institute, Pure Waters Volunteers & NOAA

• HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms): 1
• Surface Water Temperature: 73.1°F
• Turbidity: 0.564 NTU (good if < 1)
• Dissolved Oxygen: 98.3% saturation
• Lake Level: 445.53 ft ASL — just below the summer target range

Photo Credit: John Kucko – Overlooking Seneca Lake near Hector Falls, NY

Support Seneca Lake: Join the SNPR Campaign

Our Sediment, Nutrient, and Pollution Reduction (SNPR) Program is reducing the sediment, nutrients, and pollutants that feed harmful algal blooms and threaten Seneca Lake’s health. In just four years, 21 projects across the watershed have prevented thousands of pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen from entering the lake each year.

This year, your gift goes twice as far! Every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar—up to $10,000—helping fund stormwater management, erosion control, and other critical projects. Protect the lake today and double your impact!

Learn More & Donate!

Help Protect Seneca Lake! Apply to Be Our Next Association Director

Here’s your chance to make a difference every day. We’re hiring our next Association Director — a full-time role dedicated to protecting the lake we all love. Interested? Learn more & apply!

Seneca Lake SWAG Awaits!

Spot something missing on your dock?! It might be time for a shiny new custom Seneca Lake dock plate—a classic way to show your lake pride. And don’t forget, there’s plenty of other Seneca Lake gear to enjoy at home or on the water!

Browse our full selection in the online store!

Register Today: Annual Meeting

Join us Thursday, September 11 at The Oasis @ Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards for the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition. Celebrate our dedicated volunteers, hear updates on lake protection efforts, and connect with others who care about the health of Seneca Lake.

Event Details:

• Social Hour: 5:00–6:00 PM
• Meeting & Volunteer Recognition: 6:00–7:30 PM
• Location: 5712 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841
• Admission: Free

Track HABs on Seneca Lake & Stay Safe This Summer

Warm weather is here — and so is HABs season. Staying informed and taking action when you see something suspicious are two of the best ways to help protect yourself, your family, your pets, and Seneca Lake.

What to Watch For

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can appear when water conditions are warm and calm. Keep an eye out for signs like:

• Water that looks like pea soup, spilled paint, or surface scum
• Streaks of green paint-like swirls
• Colors that are often green or blue-green
• Blooms that often collect near shorelines and in quiet coves
• 
  

If You Spot a Suspicious Bloom

Act quickly to help protect public health:

• Avoid Contact: Keep yourself and pets out of the water.
• Take Photos: Get clear photos and note the exact location.
• Submit a Report: To NYS DEC: Use the online reporting form to share details and upload photos. To Pure Waters:
• If you are would like us to take a look: Email your observations and photos to senecahabs@senecalake.org. We will do our best to respond in a timely manor. 

What Happens Next

The DEC will review your submission. Confirmed blooms are added to the NYS DEC HABs Map. Blooms reported by our observers can be found at Seneca Lake HABs Map & Current Bloom Chart.

Tip: Conditions can change quickly — if in doubt, stay out!

Our friends at the Community Science Institute (CSI) have created these handy graphics below to help everyone quickly identify harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Our lake protecting projects and programs are funded by donations and memberships from supporters like you. If you care about Seneca Lake, please consider a donation to help us continue with our vital work to protect the water quality and health of Seneca Lake now and for years to come.

Report a Bloom senecahabs@senecalake.org