Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council
Protecting the Lifeblood of the Region
Towns: Bristol, Canandaigua, Gorham, Hopewell, Italy, Middlesex, Naples, Potter, South Bristol
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Villages: Naples, Newark, Palmyra, Rushville
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City: Canandaigua
​Who We Are
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council consists of the 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. ​​
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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.
The Concern: Lost Natural Capital
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
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Upcoming Meetings / Public Information Sessions
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 @ 3:30PM
Hurley Building (205 Saltonstall St)
Watershed Council Meeting
The Watershed Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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
Contact us for more information: (585) 396-3630
This website was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.