On a snowy Thursday night in central New York, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon faced questions about water quality and outlined a few of his top priorities during an hour-long town hall meeting.
Many of the questions asked during the open forum focused on the health of Skaneateles Lake. Harmful algal blooms were present on the lake this year, which raised water quality concerns. The lake provides drinking water to several municipalities in Onondaga County, including Skaneateles and the city of Syracuse.
In response to a question about what the county is doing to address toxic blooms, McMahon highlighted the importance of partnerships. He explained that the county is working with the town of Skaneateles and state agencies to develop strategies for combating the problem.
McMahon acknowledged that climate change is a factor in the development of the blooms. He mentioned other proven or potential factors, such as runoff into the lake and the use of pesticides on lawns.
It’s not yet known, McMahon added, if the reemergence of the harmful algal blooms will be a permanent problem or a temporary challenge. But he wants the county and other stakeholders to be ready.
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