Kylan Watson SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Skaneateles Lake is getting warmer according to a study released by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The report says the lake has gotten warmer over the past 40-years.
The temperature of the surface water in the lake has increased by four degrees since 1972.
The warmness of the lake has created a fertile ground for toxic algae blooms. Blooms of this toxic algae occurred last summer. The lake serves as an unfiltered drinking source for Syracuse and neighboring municipalities. To combat the algae, extra chlorine was added to stop it from infecting tap water.
The largest portion of that increase in temperature has happened since 1996.
The report says the rise in temperature matches the increase in the air temperature.
It also says that in 1950 to 2017 the average air temperature in the area increased by 1.3 degrees.
At the same time the deep waters of the lake are getting warmer, because it has been getting warmer earlier in the spring which allows the top half of the lake to get warmer. Towards the bottom of the lake the cold water is sealed in and not allowed to warm up.
Climate change has had a significant effect on Skaneateles Lake and with the increase in rainfall as well, more algae blooms may be seen in the area, along with flooding.
