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Special Contribution Article: Looking to purify lake water from cyanobacteria and PFAS? Consider these two options.

Looking to purify lake water from cyanobacteria and PFAS? Consider these two options. 

Special Contribution By Dr. Bruce Capron

Folks of a certain age remember pulling drinking water directly from the lake with nary a care. Most homeowners with private drinking water systems have since added UV lights and filters. 

New threats — cyanobacteria and PFAS chemicals — require homeowners to consider updated water purification. Chemical engineer and longtime South Bristol resident Dr. Bruce Capron defines these threats and suggests ways to help address them. 


Until recently, living on Canandaigua Lake and drinking its water, it was considered sufficient for a private water system to filter sediment and particles and have a method to kill microbes such as E.coli.  

Today, homeowners must go a step farther to remove toxins such as blue-green algae and plasticizer chemicals. This requires considering updated water purification for potential contaminants. 

What is the threat posed by blue-green algae?

Let’s look first at blue-green algae. Because they can cause illness to people and pets, CLWA volunteers monitor around the lake and CLWA disseminates bloom reports each summer. These algae are a group of photosynthetic bacteria called cyanobacteria.  Different species of these bacteria can produce cyanotoxins.  Different cyanotoxins can damage the liver (hepatotoxins), the nervous system (neurotoxins), or can impact the functioning of cells (cytotoxins).[1]  For freshwater, the most common cyanotoxins are microcystins (hepatotoxins) and anatoxins (neurotoxins). [2]

There have been over 250 microcystin identified.  The primary toxin identified and studied is Microcystin-LR.  This is a molecule of seven amino acids and has a molecular weight of 995 g/mole.  The size of this molecule has been estimated at 1.2nm to 2.6nm. [3]

Literature studies indicate the anatoxin are not as widespread as microcystins and do not pose the same level of risk. [4]  However, the anatoxin molecules have a molecular weight of 254 g/mole and are assumed to be smaller in size than the microcystin molecules. 

Although the size of cyanobacteria is in the range of 2 to 7 microns, the size of the cyanotoxin molecules found within these bacteria are more than 1000 times smaller (1 nanometer = 0.001 microns).  

Even though the bacteria can be captured by relatively large filter media (e.g., 1 micron filter), it is important to note that the cyanotoxin molecules can be released outside of the bacteria’s cell membrane in living bacterium or released when the cell membrane is broken when the bacterium dies or during a water treatment process.

Blue-green algae require nanofiltration.

General filtration with cartridges removes particles by forcing the water through a porous media (e.g., paper) where most particles of a larger size are prevented from passing through the filter media.  

This type of filtration is commonly used to remove sediment and other contaminants that are 1 micron or larger in size.  As noted above, the toxin molecules and molecules commonly associated with plastics are nearly 1000 times smaller.  Therefore, some form of nanofiltration is needed to remove these molecules.  

What chemicals associated with plastics are threats and how can they be removed? 

The news is often filled with the term “microplastics”.  These are small particles of various plastics found in everyday items.  Although the health risks of microplastics are under debate, a more serious concern are families of chemicals that are associated with plastics, food containers, cookware, and food packaging.  

Bisphenols: The most common bisphenol is BPA [5].  This is often used to make plastics harder and more durable.  The BPA molecule (C15H16O2) is weakly soluble in water and tends to form colloidal particles that are greater than 90nm in size.  Studies have shown that reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes are effective in removing BPA from water. [6]

PFAS: Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of Polyflouro alkayline chemicals.  Consumer Reports list some of the most common PFAS chemicals — PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and PTFE (Teflon). These are chemicals used as surface treatments for plastics, cloth, paper, cardboard, and metal. [7]   

The EPA indicates that both activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems are effective in removing PFAS chemicals. [8] 

Phthalates: Phthalates are groups of chemicals used as plasticizers to make various plastics more flexible.  Certain phthalates have been shown to be endocrine disrupters.  One common phthalate is DEHP. (Consumer Reports, May 29, 2024).  DEHP has a chemical formula of C24H38O4 and a molecular weight of 390.5 g/mole.  

What home water treatment options can remove these chemicals?

Removing these chemicals from water requires some form of nanofiltration.  The two most common forms are the use of activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis.

Activated Carbon Filtration: Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC filters are typically manufactured by heating wood or coconut husks to create millions of small pores with an extremely large surface area.  

A single gram of GAC material may have over 1000 square meters of surface area made containing small pores ranging from 0.5nm to 1000nm. [9]  These filters remove contaminants from water when a contaminant molecule prefers to “stick” to the carbon material rather than remain in solution in water.  This process is called adsorption.

For these filters to function, the water must spend sufficient time in the filter media for contaminant molecules to find an active site within the carbon matrix.  Also, the effectiveness of these filters decreases with use as active adsorption sites are filled with contaminant molecules.   

Activated carbon filters are commonly used in municipal water treatment facilities and many home systems.  The challenge for residents that use lake water is to determine what size filter to use, how often to change the filter, and what level of the contaminants being discussed in this article are removed.  (These questions might be answered if the text of the NSF 42 standard were available.)

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Reverse osmosis systems remove contaminants from water by using pressure to force water through a fine membrane.  Of all the water filtration options, RO membranes have the smallest pore size distribution ranging from 0.1nm to 1nm, which is small enough to remove the contaminants discussed in this article.  

Water and contaminants that do not pass through the membrane are rejected and go directly to the drain.  Only the “permeate” stream is used as drinking water.

Most RO systems available to homeowners include a series of prefilters to remove sediment or contaminants that could load the RO membrane and reduce its useful life.  These systems commonly include an activated carbon filter as one of the pre-filters.

There are two reverse osmosis systems to consider.  

In the most common, the RO system purifies water and sends it to a storage tank.  When the faucet is open, the water in the tank is available and will flow.  As the water is used and the pressure in the storage tank drops, the RO system will begin refilling the tank.  

The time required to fill the tank will depend on the pressure in the feed water line and size of the system.  Homeowners who need more instantaneous capacity can install a larger storage tank or run a second tank in parallel.

The second type of RO system is a continuous flow system.  These systems may include an integrated booster pump and a larger membrane to provide water continuously when the tap is open.  

One metric of a RO system is the ratio of purified water to wastewater.  This can range anywhere from generating two gallons of wastewater per gallon of purified water to 0.5 gallons of wastewater to purified water.    Some systems are installed with a permeate pump.  This is a hydraulic pump that uses the pressure in the wastewater stream to help pump the purified water into a storage tank.

Homeowners should also be aware that many manufacturers develop the specifications for their systems based on assuming a constant water pressure of 60 psi.  Homeowners with submersible pumps will likely have higher pressure in their cottages than homeowners using a “jet” pump.  For those cottages with low water pressure, booster pumps can be installed in the feed water line to the RO system to increase the pressure across the RO membrane and improve the recovery time and flow rate.

As cyanobacteria and PFOS impact the water quality of the Finger Lakes, homeowners with private drinking water systems have options for upgrading to remove these new threats. 

 

Bruce Capron earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkley. He has worked in engineering and business management positions in the optoelectronics, optics, laser, and medical device industries. Inspired by his work as a school board member, from 2001 to 2009. Capron earned a master’s in educational administration. He retired as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Honeoye Falls-Lima School District in October 2022. He is adjunct professor at SUNY Brockport, where he teaches data analytics to school administrators.

 

Editor’s Note:  Several area companies have kept pace with new technologies for the systems described, but CLWA does not recommend specific manufacturers or installers. We do encourage you to use the same common-sense approach you’d use to make any large purchase for your home: Do your due diligence. 

  • Draw on the technical resources that Dr. Capron has appended to this article.
  • Monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Science Foundation relating to water purification systems. They are updated often.
  • Discuss what capacity you need. Do you want to purify your drinking water, or do you want capacity for showers, dishwashing and other uses? 
  • Talk with neighbors and friends who have these systems. Ask what they cost to install and maintain. Ask who installed and were they satisfied with the job? Is there an annual service contract? And so on.
  • Interview installers and ask for references. 
  • Get competitive bids. 
  • If you are as skilled and intrepid as the author, consider installing a system yourself. Now retired, Dr. Capron is self-installing a home system and would be happy to share what he’s learned. Contact him at brucecapron@gmail.com.

 

REFERENCES:

[1] A. Cohen, Blue-Green Algae Poisoning: Cyanobacteria toxicosis
[2] EPA, Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobaterial Microsystin Toxins, EPA – 820R15100, June 2015
[3] ScienceDirect.com/topics/chemistry/microcystin-lr
[4] Cyanobacterial toxins: Microcystin-LR in Drinking-water, WHO 2003
[5] PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonate) are two of the most common PFAS chemicals. Although not currently manufactured in the U.S., they may occur in the environment and chemically similar molecules are still used.(American Cancer Society web page: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html)
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389413003361#:~:text=The%20polyamide%20based%20membranes%20exhibited,XLE%20BWRO%20and%20AD%20SWRO
[7] PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonate) are two of the most common PFAS chemicals.  Although not currently manufactured in the U.S., they may occur in the environment and chemically similar molecules are still used.(American Cancer Society web page: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html
[8] https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/reducing-pfas-drinking-water-treatment-technologies )
[9] Water Quality Association, Granular Activated Carbon Fact Sheet, www.wqa.org

Posted in Drinking Water, News Tagged with: ,

Water Quality update for Friday, September 20th 2024

Substantial cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cyanoHABs) continue to be observed in multiple areas around Canandaigua Lake. Today’s reports are primarily coming from the east side, with a few sightings starting to be reported on the west side as well. However, if winds shift, we may get more reports from the west side.

Canandaigua Lake is now experiencing its 11th consecutive day of cyanoHAB reports, marking an active bloom situation. We urge the community to continue using visual cues before entering the water or allowing pets to swim. Please put safety at the forefront of your mind.

Images from the last few days:
This is not just a local issue; many of our neighboring Finger Lakes are also facing substantial bloom events. While the research on the increasing frequency and severity of these blooms is still evolving, we know that factors such as climate change, polluted stormwater runoff, and the impacts of invasive species (like quagga and zebra mussels) play key roles.

For more information on the contributing factors to these blooms, we encourage you to revisit an article by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Program Manager Kevin Olvany. While written a few years ago, it provides valuable insight into the threats to watershed health and the factors influencing the onset of cyanoHABs.

Finally, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers, who have gone above and beyond in monitoring these blooms—many well beyond their original commitments! Their dedication is a true testament to our community’s passion for protecting Canandaigua Lake. Their efforts feed directly into the interactive map on the CLWA website, providing real-time data for everyone to stay informed.

Thank you for your continued vigilance and support.
Posted in Water Quality Updates

Water Quality Update for Friday, September 13th 2024

If you’ve been near Canandaigua Lake the last few days, you may have noticed a significant presence of CyanoHABs (Harmful Algal Blooms). We are currently in the midst of major bloom season, with 38 reports from our trained volunteers since Wednesday, 9/11. As of 12:15 PM today, we’ve already received 4 additional reports, indicating blooms along the shorelines along Kershaw Park and in the northeast.

It’s important to note that most of these reports have been contained to the northern half of the lake at this point. However, conditions may change quickly.

Key Reminders During Active Bloom Events:
• Look before you leap: Always check the lake’s condition before swimming or allowing pets to enter. Familiarize yourself with what harmful algal blooms look like and avoid them! Conditions can change rapidly, so even the latest maps may not fully capture current conditions.
• Signage may not reflect current lake conditions: With the Labor Day holiday behind us, many bathing beaches are no longer staffed with lifeguards and may not be routinely monitored. Warning signs for CyanoHABs may not be in place, so please remain vigilant before swimming.
• Drinking water monitoring: Canandaigua Lake water purveyors are collaborating with the Geneva District Office of the Health Department and the New York State Department of Health to monitor public drinking water for toxins associated with harmful algal blooms. During the bloom season, water samples are collected and sent to a State-approved laboratory to determine if any toxins are present. To date, no toxins have been detected in the finished drinking water. For more information on CyanoHABs and drinking water, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who continue to help us track CyanoHABs and report water clarity readings. Their efforts feed directly into the interactive map on the CLWA website, providing real-time data for everyone to stay informed. We are grateful to our volunteers for submitting reports, collecting samples, and helping to educate neighbors and friends on this issue.

In recent weeks, several water samples have been sent for analysis at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry and the Finger Lakes Institute. While we will share a comprehensive report at the end of the season, a table with the most recent results is included below.

Please remember: water quality conditions can change daily, if not hourly, so it’s important to train yourself on what to look for to stay safe during this bloom season. Please refer to all the resources found at the bottom of this email to educate yourself fully.

 

CYANOHAB RESULTS FROM THIS WEEK

A subset of CLWA volunteers are trained to not only identify, but sample cyanoHABs. CLWA works with two different labs to analyze CyanoChl concentration (measurement of the blue-green chlorophyll) and microcystin (toxin) levels. The two labs we use are the Finger Lakes Institute in Geneva and SUNY ESF in Syracuse.

This week’s results (found below) are from the Finger Lakes Institute. The toxin results are forthcoming.

The NYSDEC considers a sample with concentrations of 25ug/L or greater of cyanoCHL to be a CyanoHAB. This means that all of this week’s samples were well above bloom thresholds, even the open water sample collected.

More information on cyanobacteria and the microcystin toxin:
• The most commonly found cyanobacteria in Canandaigua Lake (microcystis), read: As We Drink and Breathe: Adverse Health Effects of Microcystins and Other Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in the Liver, Gut, Lungs and Beyond
• For info on cHABS in humans: Health Effects Support Document for the Cyanobacterial Toxin Microcystins

Posted in Water Quality Updates

Water Quality Update for September 6, 2024

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. 

Posted in Water Quality Updates

Water Quality Update for Friday, August 30th

 
HUG YOUR CLWA VOLUNTEER

It’s challenging weeks like this past one that prove how dedicated CLWA volunteers are to our programs. We can’t thank all of our AMAZING water quality monitoring volunteers enough for being so diligent during this highly intense week of blooms. If you know someone who volunteers their time to this program, please make an effort to thank them the next time you see them. Maybe even give them a hug!

These folks give a lot of their time to help keep us all informed on lake conditions and help to educate the community of the risks posed by cHABS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you fabulous volunteers!

As we head into the holiday weekend, unfortunately it’s necessary for us all to continue to monitor conditions before deciding to recreate on the Lake. We are continuing to get bloom reports into today, only extending the intensity we have already seen this week. Lake conditions can change daily, if not hourly, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with cyanoHABs and know what to look for to stay safe during this bloom season. Please refer to all the resources found at the bottom of this email to educate yourself fully.

Since last Friday, of the 94 reports submitted by our trained cHAB volunteers, 61 were bloom reports. To date, 48 of them have been confirmed by either the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) or the NYSDEC. (The DEC confirmation is made by visual inspection of photos submitted by volunteers and there is frequently a lag of several days as the NYSDEC reviews the reports.) We have also confirmed several samples with extreme toxicity. (See the chart below) This is remarkable as it is the longest continuous number of days that blooms were reported (7) since the program began in 2018.

There have also been a total of 7 public reports submitted to the NYSDEC NYHABs portal, 2 on the east side and 5 on the west, that have been confirmed as blooms by the NYSDEC. We appreciate folks who are sharing photos of suspected blooms. If you ever see water that looks suspicious please take 3 good photos with your location service on and report it to the public report form at the NYSDEC NYHABs portal: on.ny.gov/habform

The cHABS map on our website is updated more frequently than the DEC’s NYHABS – please check here first for the most current information available. https://www.canandaigualakeassoc.org/…/shoreline-habs…/
Photo near Crystal Beach 8/26/24
Ontario Beach Park on 8/26/24
HOW CLWA SAMPLES ARE ANALYZED

Some of the CLWA cHAB Monitoring Program volunteers collect samples which we have analyzed for both the cyanoCHL (BGA) concentration and the microcystin (toxin) levels. Because of the cost to perform this analysis, samples are selectively sent to either the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and/or the lab at SUNY-ESF as part of our three year research project with Dr. Greg Boyer.

The NYSDEC considers a sample with concentrations of 25ug/L or greater of cyanoCHL to be a cHAB. This analysis is performed by an instrument called a fluoroprobe which measures the fluorescence of the blue green algae.

Measurements for toxins can be performed in several ways. The Finger Lakes Institute uses the EPA 546 Test Method called ELISA. This is the NYS certified method and FLI is a state certified lab. The lab at SUNY-ESF uses LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry). This is a highly accurate measurement, but the lab at SUNY-ESF is not NYS certified because it is primarily a research institution.

Fluoroprobe CyanoChl and Toxin Results Year to Date from FLI
GUIDELINES FOR INTERPRETING cHABS TOXIN RESULTS

(based on the presence or absence of known cyanobacteria toxins)

Blue-green algae may pose a risk from compounds other than the measured toxins and therefore all blooms should be avoided.
Micrograms/liter Toxicity Risks per EPA
0.0 – 0.3 Little to No presence -0-
0.3 – 1.6 Low Below 10 day limit for drinking water for adults / Exceeds for children
1.6 – 8 Moderate Above drinking water but below recreational limits
8 – 100 High Above recreational contact
> 100 Extreme Animal fatalities observed
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CLWA’S MOST PREVALENT CHABS, MICROCYSTIN:

We apologize for the inconvenience, but CLWA will continue to have limited hours until next Wednesday, 9/4/24. Please continue to reach out with any questions at HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can continue to reference our website, contact the Watershed Manager at 585.396.3630 or your local/municipal beach operator to help answer any questions or concerns.

Warm & wetter trends are common. Our best shot at reducing cHABs is to reduce the nutrients carried downhill by streams and into the lake. Please continue your efforts to keep road ditches, stream banks, shorelines clear of organic debris (fall leaves, pet waste, and “seaweed”). We here at CLWA wish you a relaxing and safe end to the unofficial end of Summer.
Posted in Water Quality Updates

Early Water Quality Update for Tuesday, August 27th

 

LAKE – WIDE cHABS

CLWA’s 67 trained cHABs (cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms) Volunteers have submitted 52 reports of blooms since last Friday afternoon!

Locations range from near German Brothers and Walton Point on the west side of the lake and from the Country Club to Deep Run and south to Vine Valley on the east side (VV beach is closed). While several beach operators are saying goodbye to their college-age lifeguards, do not assume that if your favorite beach is unstaffed, the water has been monitored by paid professionals.

cHABS can form mid-lake and along the shoreline. Based on our 5 years of sampling and NYS-certified lab analysis, blooms on Canandaigua Lake are more toxic than those on other Finger Lakes. Tropical Storm Debby fed the lake with nutrients that, in combination with the warm, calm weather, are producing lake-wide cHABS.

PLEASE use caution with young children, pets, and those with compromised immune systems, severe allergies and asthma – if entering the water. The long-term exposure to cyanotoxins is not well studied but the EPA and NIH both reference organ damage, particularly to the liver. Exposure, ingesting, and inhaling aerosolized cHABS are unsafe for pets and people. Symptoms can include rashes (skin, eyes), asthma-like cough, vomiting, and diarrhea; please contact your doctor and the local DOH Ontario County Public Health or Yates County Health Department.

The US EPA recommends that when blooms are visible, to avoid:

  • Playing & swimming
  • Jet-skiing & tubing through streaks/blooms as accidental inhalation is also a pathway for ingestion
  • Eating fish caught during blooms
  • Pets from entering the lake; if your dog has gotten into the water, please rinse thoroughly, provide plenty of fresh water, and watch for signs of GI or neurologic distress. Call your vet immediately if your dog displays symptoms and tell them about their exposure.
Always avoid water that is bright green, streaked, foamy, or is cloudy-brownish – especially following a rain storm!

The cHABS map on our website is updated more frequently than the DEC’s NYHABS – please check here first for the most current information available. https://www.canandaigualakeassoc.org/…/shoreline-habs…/

IF you are confidently observing a bloom, please take 3 good pictures with your location services toggled on and submit a report to the NYSDEC NYHABs portal: on.ny.gov/habform

Due to reduced office staffing this summer and the high volume of public reports coming into our email (HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org), we apologize in advance for missing any questions; please use our website or feel free to contact the Watershed Manager at 585.396.3630 or your local/municipal beach operator.

Photos taken at Deep Run Beach at 3:45 on 8/27/24
Posted in Water Quality Updates

Water Quality Update for August 23, 2024

“The winds we’ve been experiencing have been great for sailing but less favorable for cyanoHABs formation, which has helped keep bloom activity in check over the past week. We had two localized blooms reported, with one confirmed by the NYS DEC. The confirmed bloom was observed last Friday, August 16, along Kershaw Park. It was an area of duckweed and watermeal, with some evidence of a bloom mixed in.

With cooler temperatures, our average surface water temperatures have also decreased. Last week’s average was 76.5°F, while this week’s average is 73°F. If you’re interested in how our surface water temperatures compared to last year, check out the graph below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although we’ve had some cooler, fall-like days, warmer temperatures are on the way. Remember, conditions can change daily, if not hourly, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with cyanoHABs and know what to look for. Feel free to reach out with any questions at HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org.”

Posted in Water Quality Updates

Water Quality Update for August 16, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the effects of last week’s tropical storm Debby subside, our watershed community continues to observe lingering impacts. The storm brought localized flooding, with rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 5.5 inches in some areas within just a few short hours. With this runoff comes nutrients and sediments, and we are experiencing lower Secchi disk readings as a result of the increased turbidity. There has been a full-meter decrease in the weekly average Secchi disk reading since last week.

The intense rain also brought duckweed/watermeal that has been pushed out of the West River. I’m sure many of you have observed it! These tiny aquatic plants have been slowly making their way north with the lake currents. We have had reports of large swaths out mid-lake and the winds can also blow them into coves where they can collect. These can easily be mistaken for cyanoHABs because of their bright green color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While duckweed and watermeal are naturally occurring and are harmless on their own, cyanHABs can get mixed in. Look for green, murky water or surface streaks alongside the duckweed.

We did have 8 suspicious cyanoHABs reports come in from volunteers this week, although several of them appear to be duckweeds. There are a few reports of surface streaking in the mix as well, so please continue to exercise caution when recreating in the lake and letting pets swim.

Remember, conditions can change daily, if not hourly, so your best course of action is getting familiar with cyanoHABs to know what to look for.

Feel free to reach out with any questions at HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org.

 

Posted in Water Quality Updates

Eagle Scout Candidate Jason Rocca Enhances Lagoon Park with Educational Wildlife Signs and Donates Funds to CLWA

Eagle Scout Candidate Jason Rocca Enhances Lagoon Park with Educational Wildlife Signs and Donates Funds to CLWA

This summer, Lagoon Park in Canandaigua received a significant upgrade thanks to the dedication and hard work of 16-year-old Eagle Scout Jason Rocca. Jason’s “Lagoon Park Sign Project” brought educational wildlife signs to the 34-acre park, enhancing the experience for visitors and contributing to environmental education in the community.

Lagoon Park, located at 190 Lakeshore Drive, features a walking path, bridges, and a fishing platform overlooking the Canandaigua Outlet. The park is home to various local birds, beavers, and fish, making it a perfect location for educational signs.

Jason coordinated the creation and installation of seven signs: one large sponsor sign with a boot brush, and six smaller signs featuring topics such as local birds, beavers, fishing, poison ivy, the Canandaigua Botanical Society, and the historic Roseland Amusement Park Train, which once ran through the area now known as Lagoon Park.

Just 12 days before the planned installation, a rare tornado hit Kershaw Park and the surrounding area which included Lagoon Park, bringing down three large trees and many branches. The City of Canandaigua cleared the large trees, but plenty of brush remained. Jason decided that his project could also help – he put a crew in charge of cleaning up the sticks and brush blocking the paths and on the side of the grass. Another crew picked up litter from the park and in the pond. Jason also added a strand of solar lights to one of the existing signs in the park.

Jason exhibited leadership for 15 volunteers on the day of the Lagoon Park sign installation project, which took place on July 27, 2024. In total, he worked with 37 volunteers throughout the planning and execution phases. On the project day, Jason had to make quick decisions to overcome unexpected challenges. When the auger wouldn’t start, he consulted with some adults, and one volunteer brought a manual post hole digger from home as a backup. Additionally, the auger kept hitting rock at one of the planned sign locations, so Jason contacted the parks department and arranged an alternative spot for the sign.

Eagle Scouting is a family tradition for the Roccas. Jason’s father, Steve, and brother, David, both Eagle Scouts, helped build the main sponsor sign.

Jason’s project was supported by numerous community sponsors, including Cobblestone Arts Center, Canandaigua Rotary, Mattiacio Orthodontics, 84 Lumber Company, Canandaigua Botanical Society, Super Seal Sealcoating, Ellen Polimeni, Paul and Brenda Bacik, ADMAR Rental of Canandaigua, and the Institute of the Finger Lakes at Hobart William Smith College (Prism program).

Jason raised $2,685 for the project, but thanks to generous in-kind donations from 84 Lumber, ADMAR, and the Finger Lakes Institute, he had funds left over. On August 2, 2024, Jason presented the remaining funds of $440.18 to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, supporting ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Canandaigua Lake.

Jason’s project exemplifies the impact one person can have on their community. Through leadership, resourcefulness, and community spirit, Jason has made a lasting contribution to Lagoon Park and Canandaigua Lake. Thank you, Jason, for your dedication and hard work!

Posted in News

Lake Friendly Living: Lawn Care Tips for a Healthier Canandaigua Lake

Lake Friendly Living: Lawn Care Tips for a Healthier Canandaigua Lake

This is the first in a series of informative articles by the CLWA Outreach and Education Committee to provide approaches to lake-friendly living. The goal of these articles is to show readers how to practice lake-friendly living that prioritizes the condition of the water and preserves the integrity of our scenic lake for decades to come. This initial article will focus on proper lawn practices to ensure the well-being of our lake.

As watershed residents, we all share responsibility for protecting the overall health of Canandaigua Lake. Since excess chemical nutrients and pollutants in our lake can contribute to harmful algal blooms (HABs), increased aquatic plant growth, and the degradation of our water quality, we can actively choose to make sensible management decisions that will have a less harmful impact on our watershed.

Since lawn chemicals and fertilizers can be carried into the lake by erosion and storm runoff, it is important to know what the three numbers on a bag for lawn fertilizer stand for. These numbers represent the amount or percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the bag—also known as the N-P-K ratio. For instance, a bag labeled with “23-3-8” will contain 23% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus, and 8% potassium. So, what does each nutrient do for your lawn?

  • Nitrogen helps your grass stay green by aiding in the manufacture of chlorophyll. The green chlorophyll enables plants to convert sunlight into nutrients using carbon dioxide in the air and water from the ground.
  • Phosphorus, the second number, is key in developing a healthy root system for the lawn. On one hand, having strong roots in your grass will help keep your lawn green through changing weather conditions, however, on the other hand, phosphorus can also promote harmful algae blooms once it enters the lake. For that reason, it is suggested to use fertilizer that contains a moderate or higher amount of phosphorus on new lawns where the root system is not yet developed (Figure 1), but apply fertilizer with a low or 0 level once the grass is established (Figure 2). Incidentally, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has launched the “Look for the Zero” campaign to encourage New Yorkers to purchase phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer.
  • Potassium is important to the overall plant’s health. Potassium (chemical symbol K) supports the internal processes of the plant cells that affect photosynthesis and respiration. Adding soluble potash (K2O) to the lawn helps grass withstand drought and disease during stressful hot summer months.

According to Frank Rossi, a turf specialist from Cornell, it is unnecessary to put any fertilizer on an established lawn over 10 years old unless there are bare spots and a soil test demonstrates a lack of nutrients. Also, if you do need to fertilize, the best time to do so is once in the fall. Fall fertilization promotes root growth, while spring and summer fertilization promotes top growth leading to more mowing but not necessarily healthier grass. The less we fruitlessly fertilize, the better!

In addition, residents practicing lake-friendly living are advised to (1) mow their grass no shorter than 3-5 inches, (2) leave the grass clippings on the lawn rather than blowing them into the gutter or street where they can be washed down to the lake, and (3) avoid over-fertilizing throughout the active growing seasons. Additionally, if you have a commercial landscaper cut your lawn, please tell the company not to blow grass clippings into the street.

You can join the hundreds of watershed residents already committed to following these and other lawn care principles cited on the canandaigualakeassoc.org website by taking the lake-friendly living pledge. After taking the pledge, you can choose to receive either a lawn sign or a magnetic car logo showing your allegiance to a healthier watershed environment.

Author: Doug Llewellyn, CLWA Committee Member

Posted in Lake Friendly Living Tagged with: