What’s the Deal – “Closed” this Summer?
Ugh. Its true. Advisory on Lake Hopatcong to avoid swimming or contact with the water. This totally bums out Lake Hopatcong lake goers. Understandably, its frightening to hear Harmful Algae – stay out of the water.
Did someone poop in our pool? FYI, this is a lake. Some many factors come into scope of why Lake Hopatcong and other NJ Lakes aren’t open. This isn’t the post about that though.
Why is Lake Hopatcong “Closed”?
The HAB (Harmful Algae Blooms) closes the biggest lake in New Jersey. Which basically is organisms that CAN (but hasn’t) severely lower oxygen levels, and produce toxins. It can last a few days to many months. Interested in knowing more here is a helpful site.
Now into the 4th week in July and the advisory is still in affect. The news and social media blasted to not have contact with the waters of Lake Hopatcong. In NJ, if the bloom cell count reaches above 20,000 per milliliter its considered hazardous. These new regulations started in NJ in 2017. In other states, the standard is 70,000 to 100,000. Seems strange to us too. The DEP is reading these numbers twice a week. Most of the lake is down and below regulations, some parts up and sometimes they remain the same.
Local Businesses
Our local businesses have suffered a great deal and still are. Marina’s full of boats with covers on them, fishing boats lined up at there docks, restaurants with open seats, and the water with less boat traffic. However, the residence here have been very supportive. This is a strong community of people who love this lake. Its a big lake and large community, but businesses thrive in the summer months because of visitors.
Lakers – What locals want you to know.
An advisory is to stay out of the water, don’t drink it or eat the fish. However, many local lake goers just can’t do that. When the biggest Lake in NJ is in your back yard its harder then one would think to stay away.
Everyday more and more people are enjoying the lake once again. Boating and fishing, jet skis and paddle boards, tubing and water skiing, and yes even swimming. An advisory is for your protection but its not a law.
The main reason being, most locals have enjoyed this lake for many years. Have you heard of the anaconda of 2014 (insert lol), or the very real, storm destruction of Sandy in 2012 that flooded many lakefront properties. So you see, a small count of Algae comes with the territory. Its a lake not a pool. Lakers know (or common sense and hygiene) to shower after swimming in any lake, that’s why some of the best outdoor showers are on lakefront properties.
Listen, its an advisory and now its shown where those numbers are high. Just don’t dive into a green slim. Know where the numbers are high. Alexa! Google will help you with a little search.
Maybe not drinking the water is a good idea for now, but who wants to? If the fish are sick from the HAB, know they’re still swimming not floating. Just saying.
Whats Next?
The lake communities have discussed the HAB over and over on Facebook, held meetings with the DEP, Politicians, Foundations, and many more. The residence here are fighting to support any required actions and want to ensure this does not happen again.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation has started sharing helpful tips to keep the lake clean. If you want to read more click above Lake Hopatcong Foundation.
This is a big lake, 2,560 acres, about 9 miles long and 45 miles of shore line. It doesn’t seem reasonable to close the entire lake. The areas of the lake with high numbers of HAB should understandably close, but parts of the lake should be open as not all of the lake is effected.
Love Lake Hopatcong OPEN!
If you love, play or work at Lake Hopatcong, then you’ll understand how much it needs us now. The advisory to avoid the water is still in place, but honestly I have yet meet 1 single person effected by contact of the water. Again, just saying. We’ve all read The Enquirer, it always has a source close to someone, but never the real source.
Media publicized “Lake Hopatcong Closed” has effected our visitors who cancelled vacations here all together. Ouch. The signs on the road and highway keep people away. But its not closed. In fact, Lake Hopatcong is very much open. We are enjoying this lake as much as we always do.
If you’re not afraid and willing to swim at “your own risk” (or float even) you should be here too. Regardless, Lake Hopatcong has a lot to offer other then its waters. Take a look at the activities tab under outdoors on aimeesellsnjhomes.com . Or come support our restaurants that you enjoy. Marina’s are open too even if you don’t want to get wet. Fish! Catch and release but for heaven sake – get here, before the summers over.
