Local governments working together
for watershed protection
The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council
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. The mission of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council is to protect the Lifeblood of this Region: Canandaigua Lake and its surrounding watershed.​
Over the last 25 years, our research-driven approach helps us understand lake threats and informs our actions to ensure comprehensive planning for water quality protection, safeguarding the drinking water source for over 70,000 residents.
Towns: Bristol, Canandaigua, Gorham, Hopewell, Italy, Middlesex, Naples, Potter, South Bristol
Villages: Naples, Newark, Palmyra, Rushville
City: Canandaigua
The Issue: 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.
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
Contact us for more information at (585) 396-3630.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK IN THE WATERSHED
RESEARCH, PLANNING
& REGULATION
Our watershed management plans help guide efforts by assessing lake conditions and prioritizing actions.
LAKE SAVING PROJECTS
Learn more about the restoration and flood mitigation projects designed to protect Canandaigua Lake.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
We can address the ongoing and evolving threats to lake health through innovative public/private partnerships.
Local governments working together
for watershed protection
Local governments working together for watershed protection
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Check out the
Canandaigua Lake Water Trail
THIS IS YOUR GUIDE TO PADDLING ON
CANANDAIGUA LAKE
Visit the website for an interactive map, paddling itineraries, safety information and more.
New Accessible Kayak Launch at Ontario Beach Park
Project Partners: Ontario County, Department of State
​
A new ADA-accessible kayak launch was installed, along with parking improvements and a path to facilitate use.
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This website was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.