NJ Lake Algae Sample Prompts DEP Beach Closure Guidance

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ - The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria in Lake Hopatcong this week, triggering a beach shutdown recommendation from the agency.

On Wednesday, the DEP released the results of water testing conducted on July 17 confirming the presence of HABs in Crescent Cove, prompting an algae advisory in the area. The samples point to a moderate risk of adverse health effects and increased potential for toxins above public health thresholds for humans and animals who bathe in, or consume, the lake water, the DEP said.

The sample surpassed the public health threshold for cyanobacteria at 171,500 per milliliter, or twice the level needed for an advisory to be issued.

The DEP advises public bathing beaches to be closed and for the public to avoid “primary contact recreation” like swimming and water-skiing during the algae advisory.

The agency also recommends against humans, pets and livestock drinking the lake water, as well as consuming fish from the lake.

Colleen Lyons, Lake Hopatcong Commission administrator, told the Daily Record that the DEP and the Sussex County health department will determine whether to close Crescent Cove beach. The state will re-test the water following additional samples from volunteers and monitoring buoys, Lyons added.