Water Quality Update for October 3, 2019
Over the last two weeks we have seen a gradual diminishing of blooms around the lake. However, we did have three reports of potential blooms yesterday with the 87-degree weather. We also went out on Sunday September 22nd after the bloom conditions of the previous two days and sampled for toxins and blue green algae concentrations in several different locations and depths to better understand the ambient (general levels) of both BGA and the associated toxin. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for September 17, 2019
After a “quiet” week with minimal harmful algal bloom reports from volunteers and the public, activity picked back up again today, with several reports and samples collected from the west side of the lake. Photos coming in show areas of surface streaking and shoreline accumulations of algae from several spots around the lake. We are also starting to get more algae bloom reports from the southern half of the lake. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for September 4, 2019
Yesterday we experienced significant streaking and surface scum accumulations of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) along several shoreline areas. Twelve samples were collected as part of the shoreline HABs network and were brought to the Finger Lakes Institute for screening with the Fluoroprobe. If samples come back with high levels of blue-green chlorophyll a through this screening process (confirming bloom status), they will be sent on to the DEC’s designated lab for toxin analysis. While FLI results should be forthcoming in a few days, the toxin analysis can take much longer. This emphasizes the need to use extreme caution when recreating in the lake. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 30, 2019
As we head into the Labor Day weekend, there are a lot of questions on which public beaches will be open for swimming. The Department of Health has completed another round of sampling for the beaches this week and based on the results, Deep Run Beach, Onanda Beach and Butler (Schoolhouse) Beach will remain closed at this time. Test results are indicating that the microcystin toxin levels still exceed the state threshold for re-opening, which is 4 ug/L (micrograms per liter) of microcystin. Kershaw beach was tested and the results allowed the beach to be reopened. At this time Kershaw Beach and Vine Valley Beach remain open. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 23, 2019
We just received word that the state DOH will allow the City to reopen Kershaw Beach based on the test results from samples collected on Thursday. However, Deep Run Beach, Onanda Beach and Butler (Schoolhouse) Beach will remain closed due to test results from samples collected Thursday indicating that the microcystin toxin levels exceed the state threshold for re-opening the beach. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 21, 2019
The Department of Health has been working closely with the beach operators and municipal officials around the lake and the following beaches have been closed until further notice: Kershaw Beach, Deep Run, West Lake Road School House Beach, Onanda Park and the Canandaigua Yacht Club (private beach). Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 20, 2019
We are seeing very different conditions today with the hot, calm weather allowing the BGA to concentrate at
the surface. We are seeing extensive blooms in the northern half of the lake. Clarity has dropped by almost
two meters in the north basin in 48 hours and we are seeing extensive blooms along the east and west
shoreline and many bloom patches and lots of streaking in the mid lake area. Further south near Onanda Park,
water clarity is somewhat better with Secchi disk readings of 5.7 meters. However, we were still seeing
significant dots in the water column in this area. We have had some reports of surface streaking in the
southern half of the lake as well. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 19, 2019
Since Friday’s update we have had a lot of rain and some wind. That has helped to keep the surface concentrations of blue green algae (BGA) fairly low in most areas. Please remember that this is a 10,500 acre lake with 36 miles of shoreline- so there can be some significant variability. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 16, 2019
With the calm winds and hot temperatures today we are starting to get additional reports of surface streaking and significant dots in the water both along the shoreline area and in the middle of the lake. Conditions today and through the weekend are ripe for additional concentrations of algae and there is a likelihood of more extensive blooms. Read more here.
Water Quality Update for August 14, 2019
We are beginning to receive reports of cyanobacteria (blue green algae) concentrations on the lake. Watershed Staff will be out in the field today to assess the situation. Our trained HABs volunteers are also providing reports from shoreline areas. As we learn more about the overall lake conditions, we will be providing water quality updates throughout the week. Read more here.