Pilot Program Aims to Fight Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake

08102021_HABs Detection Program_Skaneateles Watershed Municipal Partnership

Harmful Algal Blooms on Skaneateles Lake (Skaneateles Watershed Municipal Partnership)

ITHACA, NY -- Skaneateles Lake will be the site of a pilot program to combat Harmful Algal Blooms.

The program will utilize dock and boat based sensors, as well as satellites to detect HABs on Skaneateles Lake. To remediate the toxic blooms, dock mounted devices will release air bubbles which are supposed to rapidly kill the cyanobacteria that cause the blooms.

The program is starting with just three swimming areas in Skaneateles Lake which, besides being a recreation destination, also serves as the primary drinking water source for the city of Syracuse. The HABs detection and rapid remediation pilot system is being funded with $100,000 from New York state.

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