Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plans

New York State's Water Quality Rapid Response Team, national experts and local stakeholders collaboratively developed Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plans for twelve priority lakes that are vulnerable to HABs, are critical sources of drinking water, and are vital tourism drivers. These twelve lakes were chosen as part of New York State's HAB initiative because they represent a wide range of conditions and vulnerabilities, and the lessons learned will be applied to other impacted waterbodies moving forward.

When HABs Action Plans are developed for other waterbodies in the state they will also be posted on this page.

Inside the Plans

Each action plan identifies contributing factors fueling HABs and immediate actions that can be taken to reduce the sources of pollution that spark algal blooms.

Specifically, each lake's action plan includes:

• Lake Background
• Designated Uses
• User and Stakeholder Groups
• Monitoring Efforts
• Water Quality Conditions
• Summary of HABs in the Lake
• Waterbody Assessment
• Conditions Triggering HABs
• Sources of Pollutants
• Lake Management / Water Quality Goals
• Summary of Management Actions to Date
• Proposed HABs Actions

Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plans

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Chautauqua Lake

Chautauqua Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Conesus Lake

Conesus Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Honeoye Lake

Honeoye Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Lake Agawam

Lake Agawam Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Lake Carmel

Lake Carmel Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Lake George

Lake George Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

On Monday, December 14, 2020, staff from DEC presented a webinar about Lake George. The presentation included a summary of HABs documented on Lake George in Fall 2020 and updates on the priority projects identified in the 2018 HAB Action Plan. View the slides that were shared as part of the Webinar (PDF).

Monhagen-Middletown Reservoir System

Monhagen-Middletown Reservoir System Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Owasco Lake

Owasco Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Putnam Lake

Putnam Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Skaneateles Lake

Skaneateles Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plan (PDF)

Local Action Needed

Local support and implementation of each plan's recommended actions are crucial to successfully preventing and combating HABs. The New York State Water Quality Rapid Response Team has established a one-stop shop funding portal and stands ready to assist all localities in securing funding and expeditiously implementing priority projects.

Communities and watershed organizations are encouraged to review the plan for their lake, particularly the proposed actions, and work with state and local partners to implement those recommendations. Individuals can get involved with local groups and encourage their communities or organizations to act.

Steering committee members are encouraged to coordinate with their partners to submit funding applications to complete implementation projects. See below for more information on these funding opportunities.

This Action Plan is intended to be a 'living document' and interested members of the public are encouraged to submit comments and ideas to [email protected] to assist with HABs prevention and treatment moving forward.

Funding Opportunities

Eradicating HABs is a long-term effort that will require active collaboration at all levels of government and citizen engagement moving forward. The state has prioritized funding for many of the projects identified in the Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plans, including the following: