Water Quality Update for September 6, 2024
As summer winds down, our water quality monitoring efforts remain in full swing. This past week, volunteers remained vigilant and completed 75 surveys for cyanoHABs. Unfortunately, blooms persisted this week, with several reports coming in on Tuesday the 3rd and Wednesday the 4th. The calm, windless days and sunny weather provided ideal conditions for blooms, primarily reported along shoreline areas and in coves.
Last week, we shared test results from several of the bloom samples collected by trained volunteers and watershed staff during the peak of the bloom activity at the end of August. Results showed high microcystin toxin levels in several of the blooms. It is important to note that areas with visual evidence of cyanoHABs – green, discolored water, surface streaking, or a spilled paint appearance – must continue to be avoided as they may contain toxins that may impact pet and human health.
Additional Monitoring
CLWA / ESF Partnership
In addition to our regular cyanoHABs monitoring program, CLWA is participating in a 3-year research project in collaboration with SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., six sites on Canandaigua Lake (three on the east side, three on the west) are sampled from the end of docks. These routine samples—taken bloom or no bloom—are analyzed weekly for chlorophyll, toxin levels, and nutrients. Since sampling occurs at the same time each week and isn’t tied to bloom activity, most are collected under non-bloom conditions. This provides valuable baseline data on ‘ambient’ lake conditions during the summer. So far, results show that non-bloom areas consistently have minimal to low levels of cyanobacteria and the associated toxins, and are therefore well below a concentration that would close a public beach.
Canandaigua Watershed Council Fluroprobe Monitoring
Watershed Council staff have utilized the bbe Fluoroprobe on Thursday 9/5 to measure the major classes of algae/cyanobacteria throughout the water column (down to 100 feet below the lake surface) in three different locations on the lake. Results showcased that cyanobacteria concentrations ranged from zero to 2.5 ug/L in these locations. Cyanobacteria were highest near the lake surface down to 25 feet. As the probe reached 60 feet, cyanobacteria were undetectable. Additional sampling with the fluoroprobe will continue to occur through mid October.
We mention these other methods of monitoring because it is important to remember DEC guidance “If you see it, avoid it”needs to be followed. Non-bloom areas are often deemed safe for recreational use, but active bloom areas can arise quickly and should be avoided due to the likelihood that they may contain concerning levels of the microcystin toxin. It’s important to familiarize yourself with cyanoHABs and know what to look for to stay safe. Please refer to all the resources found at the bottom of this email to educate yourself fully.
Please check out the article for more information on HABs in the Finger Lakes and the challenges we face as a region in mitigating this concern.
Buoys out for DEC Gill Netting
During the week of September 9th, you may notice orange buoys with flags on Canandaigua Lake. These buoys mark areas where DEC Aquatic Biologists will be monitoring forage fish populations, primarily alewife. The nets will be set in depths ranging from 40 to 60 feet and, in some cases, may be relatively close to shore.
Thank you for your attention as the DEC carries out this important work.
Important update: Changes to Canandaigua State Marine Park Boat Launch after Labor Day
Parking at Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park will be unavailable after September 2nd, 2024, due to paving work on the parking lot. Please note that the launch area will remain open. Once the improvements are complete, parking is expected to reopen by late September or early October. Questions can be forwarded to the NYS Parks Office at 315-789-2331.