Another Part Of Lake Hopatcong Reopens To Swimming

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — A second section of Lake Hopatcong is now safe for swimming, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced on Thursday.

Henderson Cove now joins Indian Harbor as the only two places in the lake with levels of cyanobacteria low enough to allow safe swimming. The two coves are adjacent to each other. Levels in the rest of the lake remain too high for humans to swim safely.

Although levels in the rest of the lake remain above the allowable 20,000 cells per milliliter, things are improving in some parts of the lake. Crescent Cove is down to 65,250 from a high of 205,500, and Hopatcong State Park wen from 71,000 to 35,000.

Some sections of the lake have gotten worse: Woodport and Prospect Point have seen increases in the cell counts, and both remain unsafe to swim.

Coverage levels of the thick green bacteria have waxed and waned: A June 30 flight report said it looks like the intensity was diminishing, before going back up on July 10, back down on July 17, and up again on July 24. A July 30 flight shows a decrease in coverage.

"We rely on science to tell the public when it is safe to swim in Lake Hopatcong," said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said when the ban was lifted on Indian Cove last week. "We are pleased to lift the advisory in Indian Harbor, but urge caution to anyone planning to enjoy the lake this weekend because bacteria levels remain high in the majority of the lake. The advisory applies only to bodily contact with the water. Boating and other non-contact recreation are not considered dangerous."

During the advisory, people and pets are advised against coming into contact with the water. This includes swimming, jet skiing, and other more active water activities. Any fish caught should not be eaten. There is no advisory for passive water activities that do not include water contact.

The DEP has faced criticisms in the past month for the long term advisory, the most widespread of its kind in state history. Local businesses have reported significant declines in business during the advisory, and tourism to the lake is down this season.

In a press release last Friday, the DEP defended their decision, citing the side effects of coming into contact with the bacteria: rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation and eye irritation. Three in ten people exposed to contaminated water can expect to see symptoms, the state says.

If the bacteria count increases, it can release toxins which, in large doses, can cause liver and neurological damage. That toxicity can also affect pets.