All Of Lake Hopatcong Closed To Swimming Due To Algae

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — In an unprecedented move, all of Lake Hopatcong is closed to swimming due to a harmful algae bloom, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said on Thursday.

People are advised to avoid all contact with water from Lake Hopatcong after aerial surveillance conducted this week showed widespread harmful algae blooms. The raid spread of algae might be caused by heavy rainfalls ushering nutrient-laden storm water into the lake, with high temperatures allowing that bacteria to grow, the DEP said.

Although harmful algae blooms are fairly typical in northern New Jersey lakes, this is the first time the entirely of Lake Hopatcong has been under a HAB advisory at the same time, DEP officials told Patch.

During the advisory, park goers should not have any contact with the water, including swimming, wading, drinking, and water sports (jet skiing, kayaking, wind-surfing and paddle-boarding). Any fish caught in the bloom should not be eaten, and pets should be kept away from the water.

This is expected to be a lengthy closure, officials warned. Because of how widespread the algae bloom is, park-goers can expect the advisory to remain in place for weeks, "if not longer."

"The duration of a Harmful Algal Bloom is unpredictable and may be influenced by availability of nutrients and weather conditions. In many cases in 2018, HAB was observed on water bodies well into the fall season," officials said.

State senators Joe Pennacchio, Anthony Bucco, and Steven Oroho, all Republicans from lakeside districts, issued a statement in support of the closure Thursday afternoon.

"Our number one priority must be to protect the public, and right now, Lake Hopatcong could be dangerous. I fully support the NJ DEP’s decision. There is no other choice. The public swimming beaches along the lake must be closed immediately," Pennacchio said.

Reports of algae blooms began on June 17, and have grown in recent weeks. Several private beaches closed to swimmers earlier in June, while the Mount Arlington and Hopatcong State Park public beaches announced closures this week.

Exposure to the bacteria can cause rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, skin and eye irritation, and gastroenteritis. Several people have reported suffering skin rashes after coming into contact with lake water, officials said.

Although referred to as "algae," the cyanobacteria causing the green blooms are not technically algae. The bacteria can grow excessively through ptotosynthesis. While usually green, they can also like like "spilled paint, pea soup" or look like a thick coating on the water, DEP officials said.

The DEP is working with the Lake Hopatcong Commission to notify local governments about the blooms.

Suspected harmful algae blooms should be reported by calling the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337), sending a mobile alert through the WARN NJDEP mobile app (available via iTunes, Google Play or Windows Phone) or through the DEP’s HAB website.