How does water get polluted?

Most of the pollution in Lake Ontario, the Genesee River and streams comes from polluted runoff or nonpoint sources, such as your yard!

· pet waste
· lawn fertilizer
· motor oil
· detergents
· improper disposal of chemicals

These are sources that come from many widespread areas and are often things we can do something about. Many people think most of our pollution comes from industry. While it's true industry and businesses contribute to water pollution, it's really the things we do every day that add up to water quality problems. Luckily, just as we're all part of the problem, we are all part of the solution too!

Why is Ontario Beach (Charlotte) closed some days in the summer?

When bacteria levels are high enough to cause a health risk, Ontario Beach is closed. Excessive bacteria in the lake can cause swimmers to have negative health effects. When we have heavy rains near the beach, or in areas that drain to the Genesee River, the stormwater that drains into the lake can contain lots of bacteria that washed off of pavements and rooftops. When there are large waves that stir up the water, sunlight cannot penetrate the water to kill the bacteria that may be there. If large amounts of algae collect along the beach, this is another place where bacteria grow.

At Ontario Beach, scientists make decisions to open or close the beach based on the conditions at the beach on that day and what happened in the days before that could impact the beach. They also collect water samples that tell them if there are bacteria present.

Why is the Genesee River brown so often?

The brown color of the Genesee River is caused by small particles of soil, called sediment, that are suspended in water. Much of this soil originates from erosion of the banks of the river or its tributaries during rainstorm events or during the spring snowmelt period.

The Genesee River drains an area that starts in Pennsylvania and extends to Lake Ontario. Along the way, it gathers water from many other streams, including Canasaraga Creek, Honeoye Creek, Oatka Creek, and Black Creek. So, by the time the river reaches Rochester, it has had a chance to pick up a great deal of sediment.

Why do algae blooms form?

Algae are small, mainly aquatic, plants. Like all plants, algae require nutrients and sunlight for growth and photosynthesis. The main nutrients supporting algae growth are phosphorus and nitrogen. These two nutrients come from a variety of sources including lawn and agricultural fertilizers, air pollution, pet waste, leaky septic tanks and others. When an excess of these nutrients are dissolved in the water, algae grow and reproduce rapidly. This is called an algae bloom. Algae blooms can cause the lake to look green or very dark. Some algae grow attached to the bottom of the lake or stream, and when they break away, may end up on shore.

To help prevent algae blooms, you can help keep phosphorus and nitrogen out of the water, by being an H2O Hero.

Are the fish from Lake Ontario safe to eat?

Some fish from Lake Ontario and its connecting streams, rivers, ponds, and bays contain dangerous chemicals in amounts considered too high by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). People can take in these chemicals from eating the fish. The chemicals of concern in the Genesee River/Lake Ontario watershed are PCB's, Mirex (a pesticide), and dioxin. The NYSDOH recommends that women of childbearing age and children under the age of 15 should not eat any fish from Lake Ontario and the waters that contain contaminated fish. Others should limit their fish consumption according to the specific advisory for that body of water. Local waters listed in the advisory include Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake, and Keuka Lake.

How do wetlands affect water quality in streams and lakes?

Wetlands are those areas that support specialized plants adapted to prolonged flooding or wet soils. There are many different types of wetlands including marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. Wetlands are transitional areas where land and water meet. Because of their location, wetlands play a critical role in protecting water quality.