First-Ever World Lake Day: Keep Lakes Healthy

August 27, 2025| Advocacy, Education, Environment

By: Holly Odgers

Lakes are essential to our planet and our communities. They provide drinking water, support wildlife, help regulate our climate, and offer spaces to gather, play, and recharge. Recognizing their importance — and the growing threats they face — the United Nations has designated the very first World Lake Day (August 27), a time to celebrate these vital waters and take action to protect them.

Lake Hopatcong is at the heart of our community. Every splash, every paddle, and every eagle or heron that soars above the water is a reminder of the importance of a healthy lake. But our waters are under pressure: pollution, invasive species, and climate change all threaten our freshwater lakes.

This inaugural World Lake Day is a powerful reminder that lakes everywhere, including Lake Hopatcong, need our attention, our care, and our active stewardship.

Why Lakes Matter

• Clean Water - Lakes are a source of drinking water for millions of people.
• Biodiversity - Lakes provide habitats for countless species of plants, fish, and wildlife.
• Climate Regulation - Lakes store carbon, absorb excess rainwater, and help regulate local and global climates.
• Community & Recreation - Lakes bring people together, to gather, boat, fish, swim, and make memories.

Challenges Lakes Face

• Pollution from stormwater runoff, fertilizers, and waste impacts water quality and ecosystem health. 
• Invasive species threaten native ecosystems and disrupt the natural balance of lake environments.
• Climate change is leading to more intense storms and warmer waters, which can increase Harmful Algal Blooms and other water quality issues.

What You Can Do

Here are some simple, effective steps you can take to make a difference.

1. Reduce Pollution

• Use phosphorus-free fertilizers or, even better, plant native gardens that don’t require chemicals.
• Properly maintain your septic system to prevent introducing bacteria and excess nutrients into the watershed.
• Pick up pet waste to prevent harmful bacteria from washing into the lake.

2. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

• Clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and equipment after every use.
• Become a Water Scout and help us prevent the spread of invasive water chestnut.
• Never dump aquarium plants, bait, or non-native species into the water.

3. Support Healthy Shorelines

• Plant native buffers along shorelines to prevent erosion and filter runoff.
• Avoid using hard structures like concrete, as natural shorelines absorb stormwater better.
• Remove trash and debris from the shoreline to prevent pollution from entering the lake.

4. Get Involved

• Join us in protecting and preserving New Jersey’s largest lake.
• Support legislation and initiatives aimed at protecting water quality.
• Share what you learn with family, friends, and neighbors - awareness is the first step toward change.

This World Lake Day, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and value of our lake. Then take action, no matter how small, to protect it. By making changes and working together, we can ensure that Lake Hopatcong remains clean, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.