Since 1993, our District has been monitoring high-priority lakes in Hamilton County as part of a comprehensive lake monitoring program. Chemical and physical data is used to document the current limnological condition of each lake to determine if any significant changes in water quality are occurring over time. Long-term trend analysis of water quality data allows county agencies and partners to manage lakes more efficiently, track changes, and mitigate water quality concerns.

Lakes are monitored at their deepest point from May through October. Water samples are analyzed for parameters including chlorophyll-a, alkalinity, nitrate-nitrite, total nitrogen, ammonia, chloride, total phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon, calcium, sodium, color, CDOM, and sulfate. Profile data includes water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and total phycocyanin/algae. Samples are analyzed at an ELAP-certified laboratory, and our program follows the New York State Department Of Environmental Conservation-approved quality assurance and control. To access our data records or to learn more information about the lake monitoring program, please contact our office.

This program is supported by the Finger Lakes – Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance.