Runoff carved away the sand and carried it into the Lake at Bixby Beach in Bolton Landing.

Stormwater Runoff is the Biggest Threat to Lake George

Stormwater runoff isn’t just a problem along roads and commercial areas. Residential properties are also important to consider, especially lake shore homes. Developed areas are 5% of the land area in the watershed, but they produce 43% of the phosphorus that enters the Lake as surface runoff. (from Stearns and Wheeler, 2001)

What is stormwater runoff ?
After a storm, water that falls on soil can infiltrate down into the ground and eventually into the groundwater. Water that falls on impervious surfaces, such as roads and parking lots, cannot soak into the ground, and instead moves across these surfaces.

These surfaces increase the speed of the runoff, and also add pollution. Oils, salt, and sediment carrying phosphorous or other chemicals are picked up by the water as it travels and are all deposited into the Lake.

The English Brook Delta. October 2010.

What are the effects of stormwater runoff?

• Sediments can cloud water, affecting plants, fish, and other aquatic life;
• Sediments can form deltas, impeding navigation and lake access, and providing ideal habitat for invasive species;
• Excess nutrients can cause increases in algal growth;
• Bacteria and pathogens can make water unsafe for drinking and swimming;
• Debris - such as plastic bags - can suffocate or disable aquatic life such as ducks or turtles;
• Household hazardous wastes such as pesticides, paints, or motor oil can poison aquatic life;
• Road salt from the winter increases chloride levels in the lake.

All of these effects:

• Lead to a loss in water quality;
• Increase the cost to treat our water to make it safe for drinking;
• Hurt the economy by impacting tourism and property values.