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| Owasco Lake Watershed needs better management
now. There is increasing evidence that Owasco Lake water quality is deteriorating. Deleterious levels of phosphorous and continuing contamination have been documented. This is not generally a human sewerage related problem but more directly related to sedimentation and run-off. The county septic testing program is reasonably successful in controlling human coliforms entering the lake. The growing issue is nutrient loading. Cayuga County's Water Quality Management Agency lists "storm water runoff, erosion and sediment loading as a critical water quality issue in Owasco Lake"! Owasco Lake has noticeably more alge, weedbeds and developed periodic unusual smell and unpleasant taste. Lack of stormwater controls, development practices and general runoff are contributing toward degrading the lake's water quality. Trihalomethanes exist in all drinking water treated with chlorine to remove harmful bacteria however nutrient rich water like Owasco has increased the risks. Municipalities are struggling to keep drinking water quality within state standards as chlorine and abundant carbon combine to form trihalomethanes. More people live in the watershed each year. Owasco Lake can only adsorb a limited amount of nutrients until it starts to reflect negatively and it appears we have reached that threshold. We are not applying reasonable resources to relation to the income derived, to the value of the natural resource. Even the type of fish and their reproduction is being effected. DEC in writing lists the number one problem as "nutrient loading and sedimentation".
OWLA's path for turning Owasco Lake around : |
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The Owasco Watershed Lake Association, Inc. is a citizen-based association developed to support cooperation and leadership in the comprehensive management of land use, water quality, recreation, agriculture and a host of other issues as they pertain to Owasco lake and its watershed.
Owasco Lake and its tributaries serves the people of Auburn, Cayuga County, and surrounding communities for their water supply, disposal of sewage effluent, recreation and wildlife habitat. Protecting Owasco Lake is essential to the maintenance of our community character, and the improvement of our economic future. It must be managed for many uses. The Owasco Watershed Lake Association, Inc. recognizes this and has joined together to draw the publics attention to the value and importance of Owasco Lake.
Do You Support
Boat Speed, Noise, And Personal Water Craft Rules On Owasco
Lake?
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The water quality of Owasco Lake and its
watershed is your responsibility!
Please Share Your Questions or Comments With
Us |
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(Click On The 'SITE METER ICON' For Stats Since May 14, 2004) |
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