Jim Moore / December 27, 2025
A science and consulting organization has unveiled an online tool to support public efforts in tracking lake foam and other water quality issues across New York’s Finger Lakes.
Global Aquatic Research LLC (GAR), a firm that partners with community groups and researchers on freshwater challenges, outlines work on harmful algal blooms (HABs), lake foam, and chemical pollution on its Finger Lakes webpage. The site highlights a new Finger Lakes Foam Reporting Tool, designed to let residents and visitors document and geolocate significant foam sightings on any of the 11 lakes. Lake foam — which researchers link to algal bloom activity and pollutant concentration — has become a growing concern for shoreline communities and environmental groups.
According to the information on the website, the tool can be used via a web browser or the Survey123 mobile app, with the latter enabling users to plot precise GPS locations of foam events. GAR is encouraging substantial sightings — such as large mid-lake accumulations or shoreline foam that impacts property — to be reported in collaboration with local lake associations.
The page also provides links to resources about HAB identification and reporting, as well as connections to lake associations and state water-quality plans, underscoring regional efforts to monitor and protect the Finger Lakes’ water quality.
he Finger Lakes are a set of 11 long, narrow freshwater lakes formed by glacial activity and serve as vital drinking water sources, recreation areas, and economic engines for the region, though they face increasing environmental pressures such as algal blooms and pollution.
