Finger Lakes Pollution: What's The Real Story?

The Finger Lakes in New York have long been known for their clean waters, providing drinking water for one million residents and attracting tourists from around the world. However, in recent years, the lakes have faced increasing pollution and water quality issues. Toxic blooms, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and nutrient-laden runoff have become a growing concern, threatening swimmers, pets, and drinking water supplies. Phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, agricultural runoff, and climate change are contributing factors to the declining water quality in the Finger Lakes region. With instances of harmful algal blooms on the rise, there are growing concerns about the impact on public health and the economy in the region.

Sources of pollution in Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are the lifeblood of the region, providing drinking water for one million residents and attracting tourists from around the world. The lakes have historically been known for their clean waters, but in recent years, pollution has become an increasingly significant issue.

One of the primary sources of pollution in the Finger Lakes is nutrient-laden runoff, which has been exacerbated by a warming climate. Climate change has led to increased water temperatures, favouring the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can produce toxins that threaten the health of swimmers, pets, and lakeshore residents who rely on the lakes for drinking water. In 2024, toxic blooms in the Finger Lakes reached record levels, with Seneca Lake reporting 325 blooms and Canandaigua reporting 237.

Phosphorous and nitrogen pollution also pose a significant threat to the region's water quality. While nitrogen promotes plant growth, excessive amounts can lead to ecological imbalances. Outdated septic systems are a contributing factor to nitrogen and phosphorous pollution, and efforts are being made to replace them with modern clean water systems. Additionally, boaters and anglers can play a role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species by following recommended guidelines.

Agricultural runoff is another source of pollution in the Finger Lakes. Fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture can contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, which, when washed into the lakes, contribute to the growth of algal blooms and create oxygen-depleted "dead zones" in the water. Climate change-induced extreme weather events, such as larger rainstorms in New York, also contribute to increased polluted runoff into the lake ecosystem.

To combat these issues, organisations like the Finger Lakes Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Skaneateles Lake Association are working together to protect water quality. They have developed strategies and initiatives to conserve land, restore natural systems, and raise public awareness about the interconnected watersheds in the region.

Impact of pollution on water quality

The Finger Lakes in New York have long been known for their clean waters, providing drinking water for one million residents and attracting tourists from around the world. However, in recent years, the lakes have faced increasing pollution and declining water quality due to various factors.

One of the primary sources of pollution in the Finger Lakes is nutrient-laden runoff, which has been exacerbated by a warming climate. Climate change has led to bigger rainstorms in New York, bringing more polluted runoff into the water system. This includes agricultural runoff from nearby farming communities, such as manure from dairy farms, and stormwater runoff containing high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. Phosphorus and nitrogen pollution have been identified as significant threats to the region's water quality, contributing to the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

The presence of HABs in the Finger Lakes has become an increasingly concerning issue. In 2023, harmful algal blooms were reported on all 11 Finger Lakes, with Owasco and Cayuga lakes being particularly affected. These blooms produce toxins that threaten swimmers, pets, and lakeshore residents who rely on the lakes for drinking water. In October 2024, traces of cyanotoxins were detected in the public drinking water of the City of Auburn and the Town of Owasco, underscoring the vulnerability of water sources to HABs.

Another source of pollution in the Finger Lakes is municipal sewage. Syracuse, a city located near Onondaga Lake, has historically dumped human waste and sewage wastewater into the lake with little to no treatment. This has resulted in high levels of ammonia and phosphates, contributing to excessive algae growth. When the algae die, they are decomposed by bacteria, leading to eutrophic and low-oxygen conditions in the lake. The low oxygen levels choke the fish and plants, creating anoxic (oxygen-free) zones and emitting harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide.

Additionally, chemical pollution has also impacted the water quality of the Finger Lakes. The Allied Chemical Corporation has been identified as a significant contributor to the chemical pollution of Onondaga Lake. The surface water was found to be contaminated with mercury, while the sediments contain various toxic substances, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, creosotes, heavy metals (lead, cobalt, and mercury), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals were intentionally dumped or unintentionally seeped into the lake, posing a significant threat to the aquatic ecosystem and potentially impacting the water quality of the Finger Lakes region.

Climate change and its effects on pollution

The Finger Lakes in New York have long been known for their clean waters, providing drinking water for one million residents and attracting tourists from around the world. However, in recent years, the lakes have faced increasing pollution and water quality issues. Climate change has played a significant role in exacerbating these problems.

One of the primary effects of climate change on the Finger Lakes is the increase in water temperature. Warmer temperatures create favourable conditions for the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms produce toxins that threaten the safety of swimmers, pets, and local drinking water supplies. In 2024, Seneca Lake reported 325 blooms, while other lakes in the region also recorded a significant number of blooms. The presence of these toxic blooms has led to the closure of many state-run beaches and has become a growing concern for public health and the environment.

Climate change has also led to more frequent and intense rainstorms in the region. The increased rainfall contributes to nutrient-laden runoff flowing into the lakes. Agricultural runoff, including manure and fertilizer from nearby farming communities, is a significant source of phosphorus and nitrogen pollution in the Finger Lakes. This excess nutrient pollution fuels the growth of algal blooms and disrupts the natural balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

Additionally, climate change has resulted in more frequent and severe storms, leading to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in areas like Syracuse. During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the sewers overflow and discharge a mixture of stormwater and sanitary sewage into tributaries that eventually reach lakes such as Onondaga Lake. This overflow contributes to the pollution of the lakes with bacteria and other contaminants.

The effects of climate change on the Finger Lakes highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address water pollution and protect this vital resource. Strategies such as improving wastewater treatment, implementing better agricultural practices, and enhancing stormwater management can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on the lakes' pollution levels. By taking action, communities can safeguard the health and well-being of residents, preserve the natural environment, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Finger Lakes region.

Action plans to combat pollution

The Finger Lakes in New York are a vital source of drinking water for one million residents, and they attract tourists from around the world. However, the lakes are facing a growing threat from pollution, which is causing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and toxic cyanobacteria blooms. These blooms can be dangerous to swimmers, pets, and even local drinking water supplies. While the Finger Lakes have long been known for their clean waters, nutrient-laden runoff, agricultural pollution, and climate change are now taking their toll.

To combat this issue, several action plans can be implemented:

• Improve wastewater treatment: One major source of pollution in the Finger Lakes is municipal sewage. For years, Syracuse dumped human waste into Onondaga Lake with little to no treatment, leading to high levels of ammonia and phosphates, which contribute to excessive algae growth. By investing in improved wastewater treatment infrastructure and stricter regulations, the amount of sewage pollution entering the lakes can be significantly reduced.
• Address agricultural runoff: Agricultural lands contribute a significant amount of phosphorus entering the lakes, leading to algal blooms. The state should enforce stricter regulations on manure runoff from dairy farms and close loopholes that allow CAFOs to discharge pollutants. Additionally, providing incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices, such as nutrient management plans and riparian buffers, can help reduce nutrient runoff into the lakes.
• Upgrade septic systems: Property owners in some areas can replace outdated septic systems with modern clean water systems that effectively treat both nitrogen and phosphorus. This will help reduce the amount of nutrient pollution entering the lakes and improve water quality.
• Enhance stormwater management: Climate change is causing bigger rainstorms in New York, leading to more polluted runoff into the lakes. Implementing green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands, can help capture and treat stormwater before it enters the lakes. Additionally, combined sewer overflow (CSO) is a significant concern. Upgrading sewer systems and increasing their capacity can reduce the frequency of overflows and the discharge of untreated sewage into the lakes.
• Monitor and treat invasive species: Invasive species, such as cyanobacteria, are a growing problem in the Finger Lakes. By closely monitoring the lakes and implementing early warning systems, the spread of invasive species can be better managed. Additionally, encouraging boaters and anglers to follow recommendations for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species can help protect the lakes.
• Public education and engagement: Educating the public about the issues facing the Finger Lakes and providing information on how they can help is crucial. This can include raising awareness about the impacts of pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging support for conservation initiatives and policies.

By implementing these action plans and working collaboratively with communities, government agencies, and stakeholders, it is possible to effectively combat pollution in the Finger Lakes and restore the region's water quality.

Success stories of pollution reduction

The Finger Lakes in New York have long been known for their clean waters, but nutrient-laden runoff, toxic blooms of cyanobacteria, and phosphorous and nitrogen pollution have resulted in declining water quality.

Conservation of Bare Hill:

The Finger Lakes Land Trust, in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, has acquired five parcels of land on Bare Hill, an iconic landmark in the creation stories of the Seneca Nation. By preventing residential development and adding to existing public land, this project helps maintain Canandaigua Lake's water quality and enhances opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Restoration of Owasco Inlet:

The Finger Lakes Land Trust, in collaboration with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), restored a key property bordering the Owasco Inlet, the largest tributary to Owasco Lake. The property included 2,300 feet of eroding streambank, contributing to nitrogen and phosphorous-laden soil entering the lake and feeding algae blooms. Through wetland restoration and planting trees and shrubs, the partners worked to hold soil and decrease erosion, improving water quality.

Protection of Otisco Lake Shoreline:

In 2016, the Finger Lakes Land Trust purchased a rare stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Otisco Lake, encompassing 38 acres with 1,300 feet of wild lakeshore. This conservation effort protects habitat for Bald Eagles and migratory water birds, helps safeguard public drinking water supplies, and provides seasonal public access to the shore.

Community Engagement and Education:

The Women Swimmin' event, a 1.2-mile fundraising swim in Cayuga Lake, raises awareness and funds for Hospicare & Palliative Care Services. Participants memorialize loved ones lost to cancer and other diseases, bringing attention to the health risks associated with toxic algae blooms. This event highlights the community's concern for lake water quality and the need for collective action to address pollution.

Individual Action and Policy Changes:

Property owners in certain areas are encouraged to replace outdated septic systems with clean water systems that treat nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing nutrient-laden runoff. Boaters and anglers can also play a part by following recommendations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. These individual actions, coupled with policy changes and collaboration between organizations, are crucial steps toward improving water quality in the Finger Lakes region.

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