This summer, Skaneateles Lakes looks beautiful — and so far, no signs of algae.
Despite that, the City of Syracuse, which gets its drinking water from Skaneateles Lake, is increasing its monitoring of algae.
The Syracuse Water Department has developed its first-ever plan to monitor the lake.
Developing a plan became a priority after last September’s first-ever algae detection. While the drinking water was never dangerous, it was a wake-up call.
Syracuse’s Commissioner of Water, Joseph Awald, says: “Prior to last year, there was no plan, because algal bloom of that magnitude on Skaneateles Lake were never anticipated, because Skaneateles Lake is so clean.”
That plan includes proactive water sampling and testing every week. If algae is detected, the sampling increases to every day.
Last year, water samples had to be driven to Albany for testing by the State Health Department. Now, local labs have been certified to do the testing.
Part of the plan includes improved communication with the community, in the event of an algae outbreak.
Commissioner Joseph Awald asks the public not the panic in the event of algae, but instead listen closely to the agencies releasing information.
In addition to developing the plan, Syracuse is working on improving the equipment at the lake, including the chlorine solution lines near the water intakes under the surface.
The Department of Water is also treating water at the Woodland Reservoir, after it makes it way into the city from the lake.
