Onondaga Lake has served a variety of human uses for hundreds of years. Current use is closely tied to water quality.

A Long History of Use

Early Salt Production Near Onondaga Lake

Onondaga Lake has been serving human needs since long before Europeans appeared in the region. The discovery of brine wells near the lake in 1654 drove further settlement of the area in the 1700s, and commercial salt production on the lakeshore began in 1793.

In 1822, the lake's water level was lowered for swamp drainage. In the 19th century, beaches and resorts flourished around the waterfront. People used the water for swimming and fishing because the lake was clear, clean and inviting. Onondaga Lake fish were served at restaurants around the state.

Population Growth and Industrialization

Solvay Process Company facility circa 1900

As Syracuse grew, the lake's western shoreline became increasingly industrialized. In 1884, the Solvay Process Company began production of soda ash and in 1918 began production of organic chemicals. Sewage disposal and industrial discharges into the lake also increased during this period, and as a result, the quality of the water began to suffer. Eventually, people stopped visiting Onondaga Lake for swimming and fishing, primarily because of the lake's degraded water quality. Over time, all of the lake's resorts and beaches closed. By World War II, the lake was mainly being used for the disposal of industrial and domestic wastes. Recreation in and around the lake mostly disappeared. Swimming in Onondaga Lake was banned in 1940 and fishing in 1970.

Current Use

Today, water quality and lake usage remain closely linked. In most areas of New York State, waterfront property (particularly urban waterfront property) is in great demand. By contrast, Onondaga Lake's waterfront remains largely undeveloped. The full potential for resource development of Onondaga Lake is negatively affected by poor water quality, contaminated shoreline areas, incompatible uses, and economic considerations.

Public Parklands

Public parklands around the lake are well used, but not for water-based recreation like swimming, waterskiing, or windsurfing. Also, recreational boating and fishing lag because of the lake's image and lack of public access. Unlike most upstate New York lakes, no residential properties are located along the shoreline of Onondaga Lake. In fact, most of the land immediately surrounding Onondaga Lake is owned by Onondaga County and is devoted to parkland. While several inactive hazardous waste sites from past industrial activities are located on the lake's southern and western shorelines, the northern and eastern shores of the lake include picnic areas and playgrounds. The Onondaga Lake Park experiences over one million visits a year. An 80-slip marina and a bicycle and pedestrian trail are also part of the County's lake park system. The goal is to completely encircle the lake with County Park.

Inner Harbor Development

Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, NY

The City of Syracuse is also continuing to develop the area at the southern end of the lake known as the Inner Harbor. This includes plans to transform the barge canal terminal area into a bustling harbor and marina complex. Construction of an aquarium and visitors center also is being pursued. The harbor project is expect to draw tourists and attract additional commercial development to Onondaga Lake.

Future Uses

The potential for development of the Onondaga Lake waterfront will be closely linked to water quality improvements in Onondaga Creek, the harbor and throughout the lake. As the lake cleanup continues to move forward, businesses and developers are responding positively to the potential for development in this urban waterfront.