October 30, 2020| Environment
By: Marty Kane
The NJDEP continues to conduct HAB testing when alerted by the public of possible harmful algal blooms (HABs). Algal blooms are not uncommon on Lake Hopatcong at this time of year, however, not all algal blooms are harmful. This past week the NJDEP conducted HAB testing at Pebble Beach in Wildwood Shores and Davis Cove in Hopatcong as well as Lakeside Avenue in Jefferson. No HABs were found to be present. For more information on HAB testing from NJDEP, visit NJDEP's Algal Bloom Sampling Status Dashboard.
As noted by the NJDEP, a HAB often looks like a layer of bright bluish‐green or white paint on the water surface. Other evidence of a potential cyanobacterial HAB could be discolored or pea‐green colored water, parallel streaks, or green dots/globs in the water. It is important to note that some blooms are due to common green algae and not cyanobacteria. You can find out more about HABs HERE.
You can learn more about how to identify a HAB in this helpful video from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
If you observe what you think might be a HAB, you can report it by using the NJDEP HAB Interactive Map Reporting and Communication System or by calling 1-877-WARN-DEP.
