By: Hadassah Kalatizadeh
The majority of New Jersey’s largest lake is still closed to swimmers, putting a damper on the summer months. Over five weeks ago, NJ state officials announced the closure of Lake Hopatcong, warning about harmful algae levels.
As reported by Bloomberg News, on Friday August 2nd, the swimming advisory was lifted only for the Henderson Cove area, which is located in the northwestern corner of the freshwater lake. Despite the progress, bacteria levels remain high throughout most of the lake, as per a press release by the Department of Environmental Protection. The advisory was also lifted for Indian Harbor, which is next to Henderson Cove, as of July 26. “Bacteria levels do remain high in the majority of the lake,” said DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe in a statement. “Swimming and active watersports should be limited to Indian Harbor and Henderson Cove.”
Lake Hopatcong spans nine-miles across Sussex and Morris counties in the state’s northern highlands region, and has served as an alternative to the beach at the Jersey Shore for many locals. On June 27, DEP officials confirmed the presence of a toxic algal bloom through aerial surveillance. Community leaders had initially alerted authorities of a potential problem, after children reported mild skin rashes after contact with the water. The agency had then advised the public to avoid swimming, wading, jet skiing, kayaking, wind-surfing, paddle-boarding or touching the water.
Exposure to the algae has known health risks including rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, stomach cramps, respiratory irritation, skin rashes, blisters of the mouth and eye irritation. “Based on the widespread nature of the (harmful algal bloom), the recreational advisory may be in place for weeks, if not longer,” environmental department officials had advised at the closure. “The duration is unpredictable and may be influenced by availability of nutrients and weather conditions.”
Concerned about a prolonged closure, state lawmakers representing the Hopatcong area, pressed Governor Phil Murphy’s administration to hasten the lake’s reopening. These types of algal blooms may be caused by fertilizer runoff. State officials blamed the expedited spread of the algae on the heavy rainfall which poured the nutrient-laden storm water into the lake, followed by periods of warm weather. “While this current situation appears to be a product of Mother Nature, it could not have happened at a worse time for recreation and businesses around the lake as we head toward the holiday weekend,” said Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, who represents bordering lake towns.
