Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council

Protecting the Lifeblood of the Region

Towns: Bristol, Canandaigua, Gorham, Hopewell, Italy, Middlesex, Naples, Potter, South Bristol

Villages: Naples, Newark, Palmyra, Rushville

City: Canandaigua

Who We Are

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council is a coalition of 14 watershed and water purveying municipalities that formed in 1999 through intermunicipal agreement to lead the partnership program to protect Canandaigua Lake. Together, we take a comprehensive, integrated approach to watershed management that includes research, protection, restoration, and when necessary, regulation.

Over the last 25 years, our research-driven approach helps us understand

lake threats and informs our restoration and protection efforts, helping to safeguard the drinking water source for over 70,000 residents.

Our History

The Concern: Lost Natural Capital

Climate change and high-intensity storm events are increasing runoff to the lake, making it more vulnerable to nutrient increases that may fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs). Over time, human-dominated land uses, such as development and agriculture, have led to the loss of critical natural filters like wetlands and floodplains, depleting the watershed’s Natural Capital and negatively impacting water quality.

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council, working in collaboration with our local municipalities and community partners, is dedicated to restoring our vital Natural Capital, ensuring long-term protection for the lake, and enhancing its resilience against future challenges.

Learn More About Our Work

Watershed Planning

Our watershed management plans help guide efforts by assessing lake conditions and prioritizing actions.

Plans

Lake Saving Projects

Learn more about the restoration and flood mitigation projects designed to protect Canandaigua Lake.

Projects

The Watershed Council is now a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible public charity!

You can now donate to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council. Donations are tax deductible. Your support will ONLY be used to fund our highly successful water quality improvement projects to reduce phosphorus, bacteria, pesticides and other pollutants from entering the lake. You support will not be used for our overhead or operating costs.

Examples of some of our past projects can be found HERE.

Checks can be made out to:

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council

205 Saltonstall Street

Canandaigua, NY 14424

This website was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.