Harmful Algal Bloom Prompts Warnings to Avoid South Jersey Lake, River

SALEM COUNTY, NJ — Officials warned the public to avoid a South Jersey lake and river after a harmful algal bloom was detected this week.

The harmful algal bloom was found in Elmer Lake, along with a portion of the Salem River between Kings Highway and County Home Road. Both are located in Salem County.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued an "advisory" alert tier for both water bodies, confirming a "moderate" risk of adverse health effects. Exposure to cyanobacteria, which causes the algal blooms, can cause rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation and eye irritation, officials said.

The NJDEP and Salem County Health Department "highly advise" the public to avoid swimming, coming into contact with the water, eating any fish caught there or consuming the water, officials said Tuesday in an advisory.

Fishing and boating are still considered acceptable activities, but kayakers should use caution. Pets and livestock should not consume the water.

The harmful algal bloom was detected in samples from both waterbodies. Officials will continue to visually monitor the water quality and then return to testing it once the blooms are no longer visible.

It's difficult to predict how long a harmful algal bloom will last, officials said. The advisories will be lifted when each water body reaches safe levels.

For more information on harmful algal blooms, visit the NJDEP's webpage.