Those looking to finish out the rest of summer with a trip to one of New Jersey’s lakes or reservoirs would probably prefer to do so without leaving covered in an itchy rash or something worse.
Algae blooms, which may sound harmless but in reality are quite toxic, began in June and continue to spread to other lakes. This has prompted state and local agencies to close or issue advisories for many impacted lakes and reservoirs in the state, sidelining visitors’ plans and hampering all sorts of recreation.
Which doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to altogether avoid the state’s lakes, which are especially popular with kayakers, jet and water skiers, paddle-boarders and basically everyone trying to rock out on the water.
Here’s everything you need to know about the outbreaks, and where you can (and can’t) enjoy the water.
What is the toxic algae affecting New Jersey lakes?
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, is responsible for most of the blooms throughout New Jersey. When the bacteria, which is naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, forms toxic blooms, it often leaves a thick mat that looks like pea soup on the surface of the water. Exposure to the algae blooms can cause skin rashes. If consumed, it can cause abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, nausea, blistering around the mouth, flu-like symptoms and even liver toxicity and neurological damage. The bacteria can also harm pets and animals.
The beach area at Hopatcong State Park. Several beaches in Hopatcong have been closed due to a harmful algal bloom. Beach closures now include Hopatcong State Park. June 27, 2019 Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media
Why are so many lakes affected — and why isn’t the algae going away?
The blooms have impacted businesses and spurred political controversy, as lawmakers argue over how to resolve the issue.
Experts say climate change plays a huge role in all of this, according to a report by The New York Times. Hotter, wetter summers. Longer seasons.Nor is this a Jersey-specific problem. It’s something that is needed nationwide and throughout the globe, experts say.
Stormwater from heavy rains washes fertilizer and other nutrient-laden substances into the lake. If you combine that with hotter, wetter summers, warmer water; it creates a perfect soup for the algae to thrive, previous reports said.
As New Jersey’s largest lake, Lake Hopatcong has drawn the most attention, with blooms never before seen in the state.
And all of this could persist until the fall, experts said in a previous report.
What lakes are closed or under advisories?
First off, note that Advisories are not a ban. And a bathing beach closure does not actually mean “that a lake is ‘closed’ for other recreational activities, like boating,” the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said in a statement, which noted that people should “exercise their best judgment when deciding whether to engage in the type of boating (e.g., kayaking, paddle boarding, jet-skiing) that could put them in bodily contact with the water.”)
That said, here’s the list of lakes affected by the blooms:
Lake Hopatcong in Hopatcong
- Much of Lake Hopatcong still remains closed to swimming and other recreational activities. The lake, which was closed in late June over the harmful algae blooms, led to several people developing mild skin rashes after exposure to the water.
Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township
- Remains under advisory
Rosedale Lake in Pennington
- Remains closed to all recreation
Lake Musconetcong in Stanhope
- Remains under advisory
Deal Lake in Asbury Park
- Remains under advisory
Greenwood Lake in West Milford
- Remains under advisory
- Swimming not advised (for a portion of the lake)
Sunset Lake in Asbury Park
- Remains under advisory
Swartswood Lake in Stillwater Township
- Remains under advisory (at boat launch area only)
- Swimming allowed
Budd Lake Beach in Mount Olive Township
- Remains under advisory
- Swimming not advise
So which lakes are safe?
There are still numerous countless lakes and reservoirs that people can visit throughout New Jersey. (Some of the spots had been on the advisory list but were taken off after testing reveal levels had returned to acceptable levels.)
North Jersey
- Sunrise Lake Beach Club at Lewis Morris Park in Morristown
- Lake Wawayanda at Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt
- Lake Marcia at High Point State Park in Sussex
- Shepherd Lake at Ringwood State Park in Ringwood
- Tomahawk Lake and Waterpark in Sparta
Central Jersey
- Round Valley Reservoir, Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon
- Hooks Creek Lake, Cheesequake State Park, Old Bridge
Jersey Shore
- Atsion Lake, Wharton State Forest, Hammonton
- Lake Absegami, Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton
- Lake Garrison, Monroeville
- Lake Nummy at Belleplain State Forest in Woodbine
- South Jersey
- Parvin Lake, Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove
What can we expect for the rest of the summer?
Later this month, a panel of New Jersey’s leading experts on aquatic ecology, lake management and stormwater, will gather to discuss the concerns and possible solutions that could improve the water quality of the Wallkill River Watershed, which has its headwaters at Lake Mohawk. Until recently, Lake Mohawk had been under an advisory over algae blooms.
It’s unclear when the bacteria will subside and the waters will return back to acceptable levels, officials at the DEP said. Officials are continuing to monitor the impacted lakes.
Meanwhile, the DEP has provided some tips to keep you safe:
- Don’t touch water near the bloom, particularly where the bloom is dense.
- Don’t drink the water.
- Don’t fish from the waterbody.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water and don’t allow them to drink it or eat dried algae or groom themselves after coming into contact with the water.
- People, pets and livestock that have touched bloom should wash off with fresh water as quickly as possible.
- Seek medical attention or a veterinarian if a person or animal is experiencing adverse health effects after exposure to a bloom.
What should you do if you suspect you’ve identified a bloom?
Report any suspected HAB sighting by calling the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337), or send a mobile alert through the WARN NJDEP mobile app (available via iTunes, Google Play or Windows Phone), or report via the DEP’s HAB website at www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/HABS.html
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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