A new high-tech project hopes to turn Lake George into a sustainable "smart lake."
"The Jefferson Project at Lake George," is a multi-million dollar project set to take place over the next three years. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM, and the FUND for Lake George will band together to complete the project, according to a Rensselaer press release.
The new technology will monitor "road salt, storm water runoff and invasive species-threatening one of the world's most pristine natural ecosystems and an economic cornerstone of the New York tourism industry."
Lake George is already an extremely well preserved lake, it has a water quality of AA-Special and 95 percent of the area surrounding it remains natural forestland. The lake is a headwater lake, which means it has "limited external influences on water quality," it also boasts a unique ecosystem.
Over the past 30 years, Lake George has experienced increased levels chlorophyll and salt, which are a threat to the pristine quality the water.
The Jefferson Project will utilize "data analytics, computing and data visualization techniques, new scientific and experimental methods, 3-D computer modeling and simulation" in order to better understand the ecological state of the lake.
The project will also employ weather modeling and sensor technology, which has been used to test water all around the world.
The new system could give researchers a first-time glimpse of the circulation models of Lake George. This will be beneficial in tracking how contaminants are distributed throughout the lake, and where they originate.
The findings could be combined with past and current weather data in order to see how climate and tributary flooding affect the lake's circulation patterns. The data will be extremely helpful in the preservation efforts.
"Lake George has a lot to teach us, if we look closely," said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson. "By expanding Rensselaer's Darrin Fresh Water Institute with this remarkable new cyberphysical platform of data from sensors and other sources, and with advanced analytics, high performance computing, and web science, we are taking an important step to protect the timeless beauty of Lake George, and we are creating a global model for environmental research and protection of water resources."
Lake George, located North of Albany, has always been known for its "crystal-clear water," and the team hopes to keep it preserved.
"The still pure water of Lake George is the lifeblood of our economy, but it will take unprecedented commitment to keep it that way," said Jeffrey M. Killeen, board chairman of the FUND for Lake George. "By shining the light of science on the future of Lake George, this bold collaboration will empower our ability to succeed. It is an historic opportunity to demonstrate just what it will take to protect a priceless natural treasure for future generations. The FUND for Lake George is honored to be playing a role in this vital pursuit."
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