Lakes bloomed in New Jersey: which ones and why is it dangerous

Toxic algae has been discovered in over 10 lakes throughout New Jersey. About why it is harmful to swim in such reservoirs not only to people, but also to animals, and where to report flowering, the publication writes. NJ

In the Spruce Run Reservoir and ten other lakes in the state, toxic algae blooms have been observed. This is stated on the website of the Department of Environmental Protection of New Jersey (with the Department of Environmental Protection), which recently launched a new cartographic tool to inform the public.

Unsafe algae have been found in such water bodies: Amico Island Pond, Rosedale Lake, Greenwood Lake, Mountain Lake, Dramasei Park Lake, Sunset Lake, and Branch Book Park Lake, Kirkwood Lake, Hopkins Pond and Pemberton Lake.

To determine the presence of toxic algae, samples were taken from these reservoirs.

In addition, swimming in Spruce Run is prohibited until the end of summer for reasons not related to algal blooms.

A record number of harmful algae were recorded in New Jersey last year. In this regard, several beaches were closed in Hopatcong State Park.

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The bloom is caused by naturally occurring cyanobacteria that multiply rapidly when exposed to sunlight if there are nutrients in the water. They can be deadly to animals and cause body rashes, abdominal pains, flu-like symptoms, and worse in humans.

Earlier this summer, the department launched a handy new tool that provides information on bloom zones and advice on how to behave in such places. “We cannot predict with certainty when a harmful algae bloom will occur, but with this improved communication and color-coding index, we hope that appropriate responses to harmful algae blooms will become much more predictable and targeted, which should provide much more confidence, and flexibility for residents and businesses to make smart decisions, ”said Department Commissioner Catherine McCabe.

NJ Sierra Club president Jeff Tittel has sharply criticized the department for its response to harmful algal blooms. “This is a game they play by using bloom instead of actually cleaning up our lakes,” said the NJ President. He added that the authorities had to "take action during the past year" to avoid blooming this year.

Tittel also noted that more than $ 13 million was invested last summer in a program to mitigate the effects of algal blooms, as well as inform the public about the risks.

Answers to the most common questions about harmful algal blooms.

What toxic algae bloom in New Jersey lakes?

Most commonly, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are found in reservoirs throughout New Jersey. When bacteria, which are naturally present in small numbers in the lakes, form toxic blooms, they often leave a thick film on the surface of the water that resembles pea soup.

How is this dangerous for humans?

If you swim in such a pond, a rash may appear on a person’s skin.

When consumed, such water causes abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, nausea, flu-like symptoms, hepatotoxicity, and neurological damage. Bacteria can also harm pets.

Why are so many lakes affected, and why do algae not disappear?

Experts say that one of the causes of harmful flowering lies in climate change. This problem affects not only New Jersey, but many other cities throughout America.

Storm water from torrential rains flushes fertilizers and other nutrient-rich substances into the lake. Together with hot summer days and humidity, this creates an ideal “seaweed soup” that begins to bloom actively.

First of all, business suffers from this phenomenon. It also causes political debate, as lawmakers cannot solve the problem.

What if you find bloom?

You can report this:

• to the department's hotline by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337)

• through the WARN NJDEP mobile application (available through iTunes, Google Play or Windows Phone)

• through the website DEP HAB.