Sediment Skaneatles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program Sediment Sediment is any soil or rock material present in the lake transported by wind, water, or glaciers. When excessive sediment is suspended in water, high turbidity levels may result in the City of Syracuse shutting down one of the two municipal water intakes in Skaneateles Lake.
Agriculture is one of several land uses contributing to sedementation.
The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program concentrates on reducing erosion on agricultural land surrounding the lake. Program staff work closely with farmers to develop and implement soil management plans that limit soil loss. Revised crop rotations, contour farming, diversion ditches, grassed waterways, and reduced tillage are a few of the numerous options available to limit erosion.