How Many Waste Water Treatment Plants are on Cayuga Lake?

Cayuga Lake, located in central New York, is one of the largest of the Finger Lakes. This beautiful lake is a source of drinking water for thousands of residents, a popular spot for recreational activities, and home to various fish and wildlife species. However, the lake also serves as a recipient for discharges from wastewater treatment plants, raising concerns about water quality and potentially harmful effects on the ecosystem. So, the question is, how many waste water treatment plants are on Cayuga Lake?

The Number of Waste Water Treatment Plants on Cayuga Lake

There are currently four wastewater treatment plants operating on Cayuga Lake. These include:

The Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant - located on the south end of the lake and operated by the City of Ithaca. This plant serves the City of Ithaca and surrounding areas.

The Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant - located on the east shore of the lake and operated by the Village of Cayuga Heights. This plant serves the Village of Cayuga Heights and parts of the Town of Ithaca.

The Lansing Wastewater Treatment Plant - located on the east shore of the lake and operated by the Town of Lansing. This plant serves the Town of Lansing and parts of the Town of Dryden.

The Aurora Wastewater Treatment Plant - located on the east shore of the lake and operated by the Village of Aurora. This plant serves the Village of Aurora and surrounding areas.

Concerns about Waste Water Treatment Plants on Cayuga Lake

While wastewater treatment plants serve an important function in treating sewage and other waste before discharging it into the environment, there are concerns about the potential impacts of these discharges on Cayuga Lake. Some of these concerns include:

The release of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and decreased oxygen levels in the lake.

The release of chemicals and pharmaceuticals that can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

The potential for malfunction or failure of treatment plant equipment, leading to accidental discharges of untreated or partially treated waste.

Efforts are being made to address these concerns and improve the water quality of Cayuga Lake. This includes upgrades and improvements to the wastewater treatment plants, as well as efforts to reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural and urban sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are currently four wastewater treatment plants operating on Cayuga Lake: the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Lansing Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Aurora Wastewater Treatment Plant. While concerns exist about the potential impacts of these facilities on water quality and ecosystem health, efforts are being made to address these concerns and improve the overall health of Cayuga Lake.