Keep leaves out of the lake

April 24, 2020| Environment

By: Lake Hopatcong Foundation

The warmer weather, not to mention the stay-at-home order, has many of us tending to our yards to get some sun and exercise. As you work through your spring cleanup list, please remember to rake or blow your leaves away from the lake and not into it.  An abundance of decomposing leaves in the lake will increase nutrient levels which can lead to algae blooms and greater aquatic weed growth near your property. As an overabundance of algae and weeds die, they decay, causing bacteria that use up the oxygen in the water. This can kill fish and other aquatic life.

It is best to rake leaves away from the lake for pickup or even compost them in your yard. For more information about using leaves for composting CLICK HERE.

Each of the four municipalities around Lake Hopatcong prohibits disposing of leaves in the lake. The local ordinances are linked below. 

Please share this information with neighbors and lawn maintenance services who may not know the negative effect that raking or blowing leaves into the lake can have.

Local ordinances

Hopatcong Borough – § 143-3 General regulations.

"Disposal of leaves and other vegetative material. No person shall deposit leaves or other vegetative materials on roads or within any lake, pond, stream, or stormwater drainage system."

Jefferson Township – § 313-8 Litter in fountains and water bodies.

"No person shall throw or deposit litter, including leaves and other vegetative or yard waste, in any fountain, pond, lake, stream, bay, or any other body of water."

Mt Arlington – § 88-2 Fertilizers, use of – Prohibited conduct.

"No person shall deposit leaves or other vegetative materials on roads or within or near any lake or stormwater drainage system."

Roxbury Township – § 3-7.10   Litter in Lakes and Fountains.

"No person shall throw, sweep or deposit litter in any fountain, pond. lake, stream, or any other body of water in a park or elsewhere within the township."

 For more simple ways you can help protect Lake Hopatcong, view our Lake-Friendly Living Guide!