Deal Lake Closed Because Of Toxic Bacteria

A bacteria that produces toxins was found in a Monmouth County lake, prompting local officials to declare the waterway off-limits.

The so-called "blue green algae," which is actually a bacteria, was found in Deal Lake this past week and could be harmful to people and pets who use the lake for recreation, said Chris Merkel, the Monmouth County health officer.

Recreation would include boating and fishing. Swimming is not allowed in Deal Lake.

An unsafe level of bacteria was discovered in the water after water sampling, according to Chris Merkel, the Monmouth County health officer. More sampling is expected to be done on Thursday.

"People should not be recreating in Deal Lake," Merkel said on Monday.

The organism is actually cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins that are toxic to humans and animals at high levels of concentration.

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