Rome committee to test lake water after Fourth of July fireworks; North Pond alum treatment scheduled for 2027

At its July 8, 2026 meeting, the Rome Water Quality Committee discussed recent algal observations and planned sampling to assess fireworks impacts on lake water.

Committee member Matt Farragher said he has not observed early geotriccia as previously reported by others but instead has seen a different type of bloom. Farragher said he will process samples of lake water taken before and after the Fourth of July fireworks and will report back to the committee on his results.

The committee noted that the first round of the North Pond alum treatment is scheduled to begin in 2027. Members framed the sampling and the planned alum application as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and improve lake water quality.

No formal regulatory action was recorded in the minutes regarding the blooms or alum treatment; the minutes record monitoring activity and the schedule for a planned treatment in 2027.