Regional Water Quality
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The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.
Lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands are treasured assets for our region. Each of our 3 counties meet regularly to protect and improve of these valuable water resources through their Water Quality Committee.
The health of streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands is tied to the health of the land surfaces from which the water drains. The land area that drains into a waterbody is called its watershed.
Watershed planning is a comprehensive approach for addressing the full range of factors that could affect a body of water. Working with the County Water Quality Committees and other partners, STC has led or participated in watershed planning for Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, the Susquehanna-Chemung Watershed, and others.
Although the Chesapeake Bay itself is located many miles from the Southern Tier Region of New York, water from much of the region drains toward the Susquehanna River and eventually into the Bay. New York State participates in efforts to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and STC partners with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to implement practices that help to improve water quality locally, as well as for our downstream neighbors.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) encompasses three states: New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The commission formed to preserve and enhance the value of the Susquehanna River Basin. The Commission’s mission is to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the river basin. STC supports the SRBC in accomplishing its mission in Chemung and Steuben counties.
Relevant Reads:
“Acre for acre forest land is the most beneficial land use for protecting water quality, and every loss of forestland contributes to the impairment of the Chesapeake Bay.”
Protecting drinking water is a high priority. STC is working with state agencies to implement the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2). DWSP2 Framework is available to help municipalities develop and implement plans for public water supplies to protect public health and avoid preventable drinking water treatment costs.
STC is currently involved in the development of DWSP2 plans for Montour Falls, Hornell, Hector, and Bath.
Relevant Reads:
Streams and rivers are valuable assets to the rural and developed landscapes through which they pass. However, streams are active systems that respond to disturbances and land use changes. This poses management challenges as we strive to reduce the potential for damage from erosion and flooding.
Relevant Reads:
The STC region is home to two of the Finger Lakes —Keuka and Seneca — and many smaller lakes and wetlands. In addition to risks of water pollution, these waterbodies face threats by invasive species that disrupt native ecosystems and harmful algal blooms (HABs) that pose health risks.
Relevant Reads:
- NYSDEC's NYHABS Mapper
- Invasive Species for Homeowners: Asian Jumping Worm
- Seneca-Keuka Watershed 9 Element (9E) Plan 2022
- USC Wetland Team Page
- Lake-Friendly Living for Homeowners - Keuka Lake Association
- Homeowner's Guide to Lake-Friendly Living - Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
- Small Lakes Maps
Water-based recreation enhances the health and quality of life for residents and supports our region’s vibrant tourist economy.
In addition to providing opportunities to connect with nature, recreational facilities typically have less impact on water quality and lower vulnerability to flood damage than other uses.
Relevant Reads:
