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Summer 2026 Skaneateles WAVE Newsletter

Articles summarizing important events, projects, and issues related to water quality in the Skaneateles Lake watershed.

Full Newsletter Contents:

  • Historical Lake Temperature Data and New Nine Element Plan Page on the Skaneateles Website by Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County

  • Reforesting Old Farmland with 5,000 Native Trees to Protect Local Drinking Water by Central New York Land Trust

  • Shotwell Brook Constructed Wetland and Stream Restoration Project by Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District

  • Pork Street Wetlands Project by Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District

  • Skaneateles Lake Watershed Database Migration: New Software Makes It Easier to Track Watershed Activity and Violations by City of Syracuse Water Department

  • Helpful Contacts and Resources for Watershed Residents 



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Keep Our Lake Clean

Photo by Skaneateles Drone

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Planning Your Next Visit

Photo by Skaneateles Drone

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Help for Homeowners

Photo by Skaneateles Drone


Skaneateles Lake watershed boundary from the south

Welcome to the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Partnership Website!

Located in upstate New York, Skaneateles Lake is the fourth largest and third deepest of the Finger Lakes. Skaneateles Lake is about 16 miles long and spans across 3 counties and 6 municipalities. Within these communities, there are approximately 4,487 people, with around 1,065 lakefront homes.

Land use varies throughout the watershed. The southern end of the watershed features steep cliffs and forests, while the northern portion of the watershed has gentler slopes and is more developed.

Known for its aqua-green color and clear waters, Skaneateles Lake provides drinking water and recreational opportunities for many. Each year, the lake supplies billions of gallons of drinking water!

The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Municipal Partnership includes: The City of Syracuse, The Town of Niles, The Town of Scott, The Town of Sempronius, The Town of Spafford, The Town of Skaneateles, The Village of Skaneateles, Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County and The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agriculture Program (SLWAP) - Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Skaneateles Lake Data

If you’re interested in learning more about the lake, the City of Syracuse collects weekly data like temperature and lake elevation.

Click here for lake data!