2009 Event
Hamilton County residents learned about invasive plants, individual water supplies, septic system maintenance, and water quality at the 2009 Water Quality Workshop held on September 16 at Byron Park, Indian Lake.  The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) sponsored this event.   

Tyler Smith of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP) discussed aquatic invasive species, highlighting APIPP’s diligent efforts to manage invasive plant stands throughout the Adirondack Park and New York State.  He stated that volunteers are a key component of APIPP, and monitor lakes during the summer for aquatic invasive plants.  Susan Kennedy of the New York State Department of Health discussed individual household water supplies.  She explained that drilled wells are the preferred type of individual water supplies (IWSs), and are often the only option allowed.  Drilled wells are less likely to be contaminated, are less subject to drought, and do not need to be treated as often as other IWSs such as dug or driven wells, springs, cisterns, or surface waters.  Rob Streeter of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation discussed septic system maintenance.  Rob stated that it is beneficial for the health of the septic system to pump the tank regularly every 2-3 years.  If the septic system is not maintained, leaching of solid waste, grease, or scum may occur, polluting the water table and adversely impacting nearby wells or water bodies.  If possible, keep surface water off the leach field.  Caitlin Stewart of the HCSWCD discussed the water quality of Hamilton County lakes and streams, as well as other programs and technical assistance offered by the HCSWCD.  The State of Hamilton County Lakes is a publication that discusses water quality trends of lakes from 1993-2003, and is available on our website at www.hamiltoncountyswcd.com.