Owasco Lake is being plagued by Harmful Algal Blooms.
Over a dozen HABs have been reported to the Department of Environmental Conservation this week. Most HABs reported are concentrated on the northeast portion of the lake with a few being spotted in the central and southern portions of the lake.
In July, the state announced that amendments to the lake watershed’s rules and regulations were not necessary to protect the health of the lake which provides drinking water for over 40,000 people. The state’s decision came one day before two beaches on the lake had to be closed due to HABs.
Days later, officials including Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino, Councilor Terry Cuddy, and Owasco Town Supervisor Ed Wagner, hosted a press conference decrying the decision.
