Onondaga LakeOnondaga Lake known as one of the most polluted waterways within the U.S is on its way to fantastic recovery. As reported by the Times Union [1], recent tests by the Upstate Freshwater Institute [2] have shown that levels of major pollutants including, mercury, phosphorus, and ammonia are all on the decline, while oxygen levels are at their highest in 40 years.

Extensive upgrades to a Syracuse sewage treatment plant is what seems to be fueling this recovery scientists have noted. "It's made the lake substantially better -- dramatically better," said Steve Effler, a research director at the Upstate Freshwater Institute.

Onondaga Lake's water quality still has a while to go before it is swimmable and fishable again, however the future is looking more and more promising.