HAB watch at three beaches on Lake Hopatcong

July 30, 2020| Community, Environment, Safety

By: Lake Hopatcong Foundation

Testing completed by NJDEP over the past week has confirmed the presence of low-level HABs at Lake Forest Yacht Club, Mount Arlington Beach, and Hopatcong State Park Beach on Lake Hopatcong.

Currently, there are advisories at the NJDEP WATCH level at each of the three sites. At the WATCH level, there are cyanobacteria concentrations of 20K - 40K cells/ml. These are suspected or confirmed HABs with potential for allergenic or irritative health effects. Public bathing beaches remain open, but caution should be used during primary contact activities such as swimming. Do not ingest the water, and do not consume fish. It is also advisable to keep your pets away from the water as they are very sensitive to bacteria and may drink the water or lick it off their fur.

Visit NJDEP’s HAB Dashboard to view testing results and get updates by location on Lake Hopatcong.

Avoid it and Report it

A freshwater HAB is caused by bacteria, and occur when there are high temperatures, high nutrient levels, and calm water. These blooms are usually a bright green, but can also appear as spilled paint, “pea soup,” or as having a thick coating or “mat” on the surface.

If you observe what you think might be a HAB, a suspected Harmful Algal Bloom report can be submitted by smartphone or PC using the DEP HAB Interactive Map Reporting and Communication System. If a smartphone or computer is not available, reports may also be submitted to the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (927-6337).

For more information about HABs visit NJDEP’s HAB resource page.

View HAB Alert Index PDF