Experts will discuss water quality issues

DUNDEE--State Sen. Tom O'Mara (R-Big Flats) and Sen. Pam Helming (R-Canandaigua), will sponsor a public roundtable discussion, "The Future of Water Quality: A Discussion on Challenges, Crises and Responses." The forum, which is open to the public, is being held at Starkey's Lookout in Dundee, 5428 State Route 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24.
A panel of approximately 20 water quality educators and experts, and agriculture and environmental advocates will participate. They are leaders in the field and represent among others, Cornell University, the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Finger Lakes Institute, the Keuka Lake Association and regional Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Harmful algal blooms, invasive species, non-point source pollution and other contaminants, flood and erosion control, habitat preservation and water quality infrastructure will highlight the range of issues the panel plans to discuss. Water quality is of critical importance for drinking water, for agriculture and tourism economies and for the recreational use of lakes and other waterways. The public is invited to attend.