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Finger Lakes

The 11 Finger Lakes of New York are critical sources of drinking water and economic drivers in the region.  The lakes are some of the lowest-nutrient, cleanest lakes in the country, yet they face many water quality challenges.  In particular, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are now found throughout the Finger Lakes in the summer and fall.

Our Finger Lakes Work (articles)

​Why is PFAS-enriched foam forming on some of the cleanest lakes in the country? | Binghamton News
​OUTDOORS: Why harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes are so challenging to mitigate | Sports | fltimes.com
Researchers find foam, algae connection on Canandaigua Lake.  Democrat and Chronicle
CLWA Receives Grant for PFAs Research – CLWA

Resources for the public - HAB sightings, identification, and reporting

Recent HAB sightings in New York lakes (NYHABs, 2024)
HAB identification and reporting guide (NYSDEC)

Lake Associations

Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
​Conesus Lake Association
Keuka Lake Association
Otisco Lake Preservation Association
Owasco Watershed Lake Association
Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
Skaneateles Lake Association
Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance
New York State Federation of Lake Associations

Municipal Organizations

Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council
Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Force
​Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council

HAB Action Plans

Cayuga, Conesus, Honeoye, Owasco, and Skaneateles lakes

9-Element Watershed Plans

Intro to 9E plans (NYSDEC)
​Canandaigua Lake 9E
​Owasco Lake 9E
​Seneca and Keuka 9E