Harmful 'Cyanobacteria' Shuts Down Swimming At Several NJ Sites

Lake Hopatcong isn't the only place in New Jersey that's not safe for swimming – or even touching the water.

Indeed, cyanobacteria has been blooming at several New Jersey swimming sites. The state Department of Environmental Protection has been taking action by either shutting down the beaches or issuing advisories to minimize the risk of toxic blue-green algae.

The harmful algae blooms happen when cyanobacteria overproduces in a body of water. In the right situations – such as sunlight, hot and calm waters and high nutrients – the bacteria can cause a bloom that's toxic to humans and animals.

The blooms are fairly common in North Jersey lakes, but it is unusual to see the blooms this early in the season, the DEP says.

Acute illnesses caused by exposure to cyanotoxins can happen, the DEP says. After short-term exposures, the toxins can cause liver and kidney damage. Livestock and pets could be particularly vulnerable, and contact with the water could be fatal to animals.

Here are the three sites that have had closures:

Lake Hopatcong

A widespread, harmful algae bloom has blanketed New Jersey's largest lake in a thick, green covering that could pose a season-long problem for lake-goers.

The bloom caused the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to take the unprecedented step of issuing a lake-wide advisory against entering, or even touching, the water for further notice, just days before the Fourth of July.

Here are the beaches that have been shut down at the lake:

• Lake Hopatcong State Park Beach
• Forest Hills Yacht Club Dr
• Elba Ave
• Mount Arlington Municipal Beach
• Sand Harbor Beach
• Clearwater Beach
• Bass Rock Beach
• Pebble Beach Road

Read more: Lake Hopatcong's Terrible Summer: Algae Blooms Could Ruin Season

Spruce Run Recreation Area

The Clinton swimming area has been shut down for nearly the entire season. There is no swimming until further notice.

People were told to not drink or have contact with the water including, but not limited to, swimming, wading and water sports. Fish caught in this waterbody should not be eaten. Pets should not drink the water.

Swartswood State Park

The swimming section of the lake in Swartswood State Park was closed last month after a harmful algae bloom was detected. The park was ultimately reopened once the bloom subsided.

Park-goers were once again told to not have any contact with the water, including swimming, wading, water sports, and drinking.

In addition to the algae bloom, Duck Pond Trail and some parts of Spring Lake Trail have been closed because of flooding.

Read more: Algae Bloom Closes Sussex Co. Swimming Lake

These areas have also been under an advisory for weeks:

• Lake Mohawk in Sparta
• Deal Lake in Asbury Park
• Sunset Lake in Asbury Park