Part Of Lake Hopatcong Reopens To Swimmers

LAKE HOPATCONG, NJ — The harmful algae bloom advisory has been lifted from the Indian Harbor area of Lake Hopatcong, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday afternoon. It remains in effect for the rest of the lake.

Measurements fell below the allowable limit of 20,000 cells per milliliter on two dates: levels fell to 19,000 on July 23, and again to 18,500 on July 25. Levels in the rest of the lake remain above 20,000 cells per milliliter.

Indian Harbor is accessible only by boat. Nearby beaches will remain off limits due to high levels: 24,750 at Pebble Beach, 24,500 at Sand Harbor and 26,750 as Bass Rock Beach.

A lake-wide harmful algae bloom advisory went into effect at the end of June, and has remained in place since. Friday's announcement is the first part of the lake to be reopened to swimming, although the lake has been open to boaters the entire time.

"We rely on science to tell the public when it is safe to swim in Lake Hopatcong," said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. "We are pleased to lift the advisory in Indian Harbor, but urge caution to anyone planning to enjoy the lake this weekend because bacteria levels remain high in the majority of the lake. The advisory applies only to bodily contact with the water. Boating and other non-contact recreation are not considered dangerous."

During the advisory, people and pets are advised against coming into contact with the water. This includes swimming, jet skiing, and other more active water activities. Any fish caught should not be eaten. There is no advisory for passive water activities that do not include water contact.

The DEP has faced criticisms in the past month for the long term advisory, the most widespread of its kind in state history. Local businesses have reported significant declines in business during the advisory, and tourism to the lake is down this season.

In a press release Friday, the DEP defended their decision, citing the side effects of coming into contact with the bacteria: rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation and eye irritation. Three in ten people exposed to contaminated water can expect to see symptoms, the state says.

If the bacteria count increases, it can release toxins which, in large doses, can cause liver and neurological damage. That toxicity can also affect pets.