In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the deteriorating water quality of Skaneateles Lake, with a local resident expressing dismay over New York State's rejection of a watershed upgrade. The resident highlighted the alarming presence of blue-green algae, which serves as an indicator of future ecological issues.

The speaker noted that while living in Skaneateles, they observed significant changes in water clarity, particularly during strong south winds, which stirred up sediments and created a noticeable mud line. This sediment disturbance is believed to contribute to nutrient loading in the lake, exacerbating the algae problem.

The resident proposed that dredging the north end of the lake could be a viable solution to reduce nutrient levels. They suggested collaborating with the Sugar County Soil and Water Group to manage costs, estimating around $900 per boat for the dredging process. The speaker also criticized the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the health department for their prolonged inaction over the past seven years regarding water quality management.

A call was made for a trial dredging project this winter, when water levels are lower, to assess the feasibility of larger-scale efforts. The resident emphasized the urgency of addressing the lake's pollution, referencing its previous ranking as one of the most polluted lakes globally. They urged local authorities, including Sugar County, the city of Auburn, and the town of Wassel, to consider a demonstration dredging project to combat the blue-green algae crisis effectively.