Lake Hopatcong's Byram Cove Now Open For Swimming: DEP

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — One of Lake Hopatcong's most popular sections, Byram Cove, is now safe for swimming following a weeks-long harmful algae bloom advisory, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said on Wednesday. Byram Cove joins Indian Harbor and Henderson Cove as the only three areas of the lake safe to swim in.

Levels of cyanobacteria, the bacteria behind the blooms, must be below 20,000 cells per milliliter to be safe for swimming. Byram Cove tested under that limit on two occasions: on August 1, levels were 18,000 cells per milliliter, and on Aug. 6, levels were 13,750 cells per milliliter.

Byram Cove, Indian Harbor and Henderson Cove are all next to each other in the northwest portion of the lake. Indian Harbor was the first to reopen to swimming on Jul. 26, with Henderson Cove following on Aug. 1.

Bacteria levels on the rest of the lake remain high. Crescent Cove River Styx has the highest level, with 80,750 cells per milliliter. Levels in the rest of the lake remain between 30,000 and 54,750.

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 advisory has been in place since June 27, when a lake-wide harmful algae bloom advisory was announced. The advisory is the largest and longest lasting in state history. Officials warned at the time that the advisory could last weeks, something that has proven true.

The DEP has faced criticisms 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.