No Swimming, Fishing At Passaic Co. Lake As Toxic Algae Bloom Reported

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — One lake in Passaic County is under an advisory for potentially dangerous algae blooms, said state environmental officials. Swimming, kayaking, and wading are restricted, and people are advised not to eat any fish they catch there.

Greenwood Lake in West Milford is one of a dozen lakes and ponds in the Garden State under advisories or warnings for potentially dangerous algae blooms, as of Friday.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) advisories are issued when there is confirmed HAB with moderate risk of adverse health effects and increased potential for toxins above public health thresholds. Advisories also close public bathing beaches.

There were several reports of the algae blooming at Greenwood Lake, prompting an advisory on Aug. 2, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Swimming, kayaking, wading and eating fish caught are restricted at the advisory level for cyanobacteria blooms. Residents are also urged to keep children and pets away from the affected bodies of water.

Warnings mean HAB has been confirmed with a high risk of adverse health effects due to high toxin levels. Warnings also close public bathing beaches, with the possibility of recommendations against recreation in affected areas.

Recent warnings include:

• Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township, July 24
• Timber Creek Pond, Lindenwold, July 13

Recent advisories include:

• White Meadow Lake, Rockaway, Aug. 2
• Greenwood Lake, West Milford, Aug. 2
• Rosedale Lake, Hopewell, July 31
• Silver Lake, Belmar, July 31
• Woodcliff Lake Reservoir, Woodcliff Lake, July 31
• Lamberton Park Pond, Trenton, July 25
• Spruce Run Reservoir, Clinton, July 25
• Ceva Lake, Ewing, July 21
• Budd Lake, Mount Olive, July 20
• Lake Musconetcong, Stanhope, July 19

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, has the potential to produce toxins that can cause a range of symptoms, from irritated skin to neurological problems. The risk is the same for people and pets.

Individual algal cells cannot be seen with the unaided eye; however, they can form large, visible colonies called blooms. Harmful algal blooms are made up of colonies of toxic cyanobacteria.

They usually multiply and bloom when water is warm, stagnant and filled with nutrients from sources such as septic systems, wastewater treatment plants and fertilizer runoff.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water in New Jersey, and to find out more information, click here.