Posted in New Jersey
August 04, 2020
How Algae Blooms On New Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong Will Affect Your Summer Plans
Last year, widespread algae blooms put a damper on summer fun in New Jersey. Lakes closed across the Garden State, sending lake lovers to the shore. This year, shore beaches are already hitting capacity so that’s not an option for many of us.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

Fortunately, they're not yet as severe as they were last year.

Elevated levels of cyanobacteria were found at the beach area of Lake Forest Yacht Club (in the Jefferson portion of the lake) and at Mount Arlington Beach.

Do not ingest water or consume fish.

Not reopened for swimming yet due to a lack of lifeguards.

These bodies of water include Spruce Run Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Dramasei Park Lake, Amico Island Pond, and Sunset Lake, among others.

They will have a limited effect on those of us avoiding public spaces but there are alternatives for those still visiting lake and ocean beaches. Lake Marcia at Hopatcong State Park, Hooks Creek Lake in Cheesequake State Park, and Lake Waywayanda are all currently open for swimming at reduced capacities. Many New Jersey lakes are not yet open for swimming including Atsion Lake and Shepherd Lake. Other lakes WILL NOT be opening for summer 2020 including Sunrise Lake Beach Club, Tomahawk Lake and Waterpark, Lake Nummy, and Lake Absegami.
Will the algae blooms affect your summer plans? Let us know in the comments! To keep track of current watches and advisories, you can use this interactive New Jersey algae bloom map. If you’d prefer safe, socially distant summer fun from home, you can check out this incredible virtual tour of Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate.