Water Quality Update for September 9, 2022

WATER QUALITY UPDATE

September 9, 2022

Current Lake Conditions:

Harmful Algae Blooms: 6 Blooms Reported today 9/9

Average Secchi Disk Water Clarity: 4.65 meters

Average Surface Water Temperature: 72.9 F

Lake Level: 687.85 feet above sea level (desired level 688.35) Main gates have been closed all summer and feeder canal is at minimum required flow.

After a relatively calm week, bloom activity has picked up, with 6 bloom reports submitted today. So far, the reports have come mainly from the east side of the lake – from the Rushville area up as far north as Kershaw Park. See images below.
Image of surface streaking captured today (9/9) in Cottage City around 1:30 pm.
Image of bloom along shoreline along with heavy “dots” in the water this afternoon.
Today’s calm weather means we may get more reports from other areas of the lake as the day progresses. Please keep an eye out for signs of surface streaking of algae, heavy “dots in the water”, surface scums, or green/discolored water. These areas should be avoided.

Based on past sampling efforts in Canandaigua Lake, we know that the cyanobacteria blooms can produce high toxins, so it is best to avoid contact with all blooms.  Please also use caution before letting dogs in the water. Pets (especially dogs) are very susceptible to the toxins associated with blooms as they are likely to drink surface waters when swimming and may also be exposed when grooming themselves after a swim in the lake. For more information on Dogs and HABs, please check out this informational brochure.

If you have questions please dont hesitate to reach out to our HABs email address at HABs@canandaigualakeassoc.org, which is received by both the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council and CLWA.