Wawayanda, Hopatcong state parks reopen to swimmers
REGION. Both had been closed because of concerns about harmful algae bloom (HAB).
Hewitt /
| 06 Aug 2024 | 03:03
Wawayanda and Hopatcong state parks have reopened for swimming after being closed because of concerns about harmful algae bloom (HAB).
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), HABs are caused by cyanobacteria that resemble and behave like algae. Exposure to cyanobacteria cells can cause a range of health effects, including rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation and eye irritation.
Incidental ingestion of water containing the toxins that the bacteria can produce, known as cyanotoxins, can result in more serious health effects, such as liver toxicity and neurological effects.
Both parks were open for boating and other uses.
Wawayanda in Hewitt reopened for swimming Saturday, Aug. 3, and Hopatcong’s swim area in Landing reopened for swimming Thursday, Aug. 1.
Wawayanda was closed for swimming a week earlier “out of an abundance of caution,” a DEP spokeswoman said July 27.
A water sample taken from Wawayanda Lake on July 31 showed that HAB was not present, according to the DEP’s online HAB Dashboard.
A sample taken July 24 prompted the closing there.
A water sample taken from Lake Hopatcong on July 30 also showed no HAB present.
Samples taken from Lake Hopatcong on July 16 and 23 did show the presence of HABs.
DEP DASHBOARD
To see the results of water sampling by the state Department of Environmental Protection, go online to njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/49190166531d4e5a811c9a91e4a41677
If you see a suspected HAB, avoid touching the water and protect your pets. You may report it online at dep.nj.gov/hab or call the DEP hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (927-6337).