Storm Water Run-Off

The rainstorms of 2021 impacted property in many ways. Below are some of the concerns expressed by our Kettle Lakes residents. Although some folks escaped with no harm, in the survey from this committee, many homeowners, indicated they had damage in excess of $1,000.

  • Damage limited to aesthetics (loss of gardens, landscaping, etc.)

  • Flooding of home or adjoining buildings

  • Damage to hot water heater, furnace, etc.

  • Damage to recreational equipment/watercraft

  • Damage to dock or decking

  • Contaminated drinking water

  • Damage to septic system

  • Damage to well

  • Sedimentation that resulted in diminished water flow and turbidity

  • Increased flooding from beaver damage

  • Lake water quality (Nutrient loading, contaminants)

  • Flow of invasive species into or from your lake

  • Shoreline erosion/wake damage

  • Road was washed out or damaged

  • Property went missing or was damaged

  • Services were affected (Power, trash removal, etc.)

  • Unexpected expenses (Water quality testing, purchase of storm materials, tarps, etc.)

  • Personal stress and challenges

  • Health related issues (mold sensitivities, gastrointestinal issues, etc.

  • Loss of recreation/planned activities

  • Impact from agricultural runoff

  • Other:


CLICK HERE to read about how farmland run-off from intense storms, raises phosphorous loads that can drive HABs. This blog shows how this is impacting nearby neighboring-Seneca and Keuka Lakes.

Climate-driven flooding poses well water contamination risks

By The Associated Press

Published: Jun. 08, 2022, 12:13 p.m.

Though estimates vary, roughly 53 million U.S. residents — about 17% of the population — rely on private wells, according to a study conducted in part by Environmental Protection Agency researchers. Most live in rural areas. But others are in subdivisions near fast-growing metro regions or otherwise beyond the reach of public water pipes.

While many private wells provide safe water, the absence of regulation and treatment afforded by larger municipal systems may expose some users to health risks, from bacteria and viruses to chemicals and lead, studies have found.

…Risks are elevated after flooding or heavy rainfall, when animal and human feces, dirt, nutrients such as nitrogen and other contaminants can seep into wells. And experts say the threat is growing as the warming climate fuels more intense rainstorms and stronger and wetter hurricanes.

Old, poorly maintained wells are especially vulnerable to floodwaters entering through openings at the top. “It just runs right in and it’s full of bacteria,” said Steven Wilson, a well expert at the University of Illinois.

It doesn’t always take a flood or hurricane to pollute wells. Industrial contamination can reach them by seeping into groundwater.