On July 3, 2019 the NJDEP issued an update on their advisory for Lake Hopatcong
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) advisory for Lake Hopatcong remains in effect.
DEP sampling indicates that cell counts for cyanobacteria causing the bloom remain above the New Jersey Health Advisory Guidance levels. Consequently, the DEP advises continued closure of public swimming beaches and recommends the public avoid bodily contact with lake water. This means swimming and watersports such jet-skiing, water-skiing, paddle-boarding, canoeing or kayaking should be avoided. There is no suggested limitation on more passive boating that does not involve bodily contact with lake water.
Water samples from three of eight beaches on 7/2/19 indicated that cell counts for the cyanobacteria continue to be above the NJ Health Advisory trigger of 20,000 cells/ml, therefore the advisory will remain in effect. Of the remaining beaches sampled, two had elevated counts, one had low counts, and one site (State Park Beach) cyanobacteria was not present in measurable amounts. In addition, on July 2, samples were collected at 10 other monitoring sites throughout the lake to assess extent of the bloom. Four of these sites had cell counts above NJ Health Advisory Guidance Levels, while three had elevated counts and three had low counts.
Aerial surveillance today confirmed the presence of HAB.
The NJDEP is continuing to monitor the situation. The next planned sampling event will be on Friday, July 5. For additional information in HAB’s you may visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/hab/.