I recently shared the news that swimming is off limits at New Jersey’s largest lake, Lake Hopatcong. Eight of the lake’s beaches are officially closed, though the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection took the unprecedented action of issuing a lake-wide advisory against entering, or even touching, the water until further notice. You can learn more about that closure by clicking here. Lake Hopatcong and the lakes featured today are in the midst of a dangerous algae bloom.

Cyanobacteria is a dangerous bacteria that's fairly common in New Jersey lakes, when the conditions are right. The conditions are currently right...
Stefe/Flickr
It's rare for the blue-green algae to bloom this early in the season but it's really putting a damper on our summer swimming plans.
Stefe/Flickr

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The bacteria blooms are believed to have formed as a result of heavy rain that carried nutrient-filled stormwater into the lakes followed by warm temperatures. Cyanobacteria thrives on these nearly 90-degree days we've been having.
Erik de Haan/Flickr
Cyanobacteria is dangerous to both touch and ingest. It can cause acute illnesses including rashes, flu-like symptoms, and even liver and kidney damage. It can be fatal to pets.
Richard Droker/Flickr
Swimming, fishing, and water sports are cautioned against at the following lakes: Swartswood Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir, and Lake Hopatcong. Lake Mohawk is also under advisory.
Bogdan Migulski/Flickr

Does this unfortunate early-summer bacteria bloom affect your July 4th plans? If you need an alternative swimming spot, check out this natural spring in the Garden State.

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