Working together for improved water quality

September 03, 2021| Environment

By: Lake Hopatcong Foundation

Last week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed a harmful algal bloom (HAB) at the WATCH advisory level (cell count 23,750) in Crescent Cove. A WATCH advisory is posted when the cell count reaches a level between 20,000 and 80,000.  In comparison, in 2019, we saw cell counts as high as 180,000 in the same area.  HAB testing results are available on NJDEP's HAB Dashboard. NJDEP will test again next week if the continuous monitoring buoys show continued elevated levels for potential HABs. 

While we cannot claim a perfect summer and there is still much work to be done, we are heading into Labor Day weekend with only two localized HAB watches in 2021. In addition, lake experts, Princeton Hydro, have reported a reduction in the June mean total phosphorus concentrations in the lake by over 50%, compared to 2019.  Many steps have been taken by the state, counties, and local municipalities, along with the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Lake Hopatcong Foundation, marking a period of unparalleled cooperation in working toward improving water quality and preventing HAB outbreaks. Below are just a few of them.  

• The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) responded to 11 suspected HABs reports on Lake Hopatcong from May through August.  Results indicated HABs were not present in 9 of the 11 locations.  The other two locations sampled and analyzed were in Crescent Cove, which both tested at the WATCH level.
• NJDEP has been conducting weekly flight surveillance (weather permitting) and has provided two handheld fluorometers and four continuous monitoring buoys to our lake to monitor for HABs. Status monitoring is used to inform sampling for confirmation analysis, when necessary
• NJDEP awarded more than $1.3 million in grants for projects to prevent HABs and address stormwater-related issues on Lake Hopatcong.
• Quarterly meetings with NJDEP, the Mayors from the four towns around the lake, the Lake Hopatcong Commission, and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation have been conducted to address lake issues.
• We meet with municipal, county, state, and federal officials to collaborate on lake matters. Most have been to the lake this season and have seen the challenges the lake faces firsthand.  Strong support from our elected officials helped pass the first statewide funding legislation for lakes, which is currently on the Governor’s desk for signature.
• Morris and Sussex County as well as our local municipalities continue to improve wastewater disposal, manage stormwater, and maintain catch basins and other manufactured treatment devices. They also assist with many grant projects through in-kind services.

What can you do?

Everyone in our watershed makes daily decisions that can affect our lake. From deciding whether or not to fertilize your lawn, using native species in your landscaping, how to pave your driveway with pervious pavement, or what new dishwasher to buy, there are many different ways to live lake friendly. Find out more positive steps you can take to protect the water quality of Lake Hopatcong with our Lake-Friendly Living Guide.