LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — A harmful algae bloom advisory remains in effect at Mountain Lake after recent monitoring showed elevated cyanobacteria and toxin levels, according to the Mountain Lake Community Association.
The association said the latest New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection testing shows the prolonged spring bloom of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is continuing.
Samples taken May 19 at the center of the lake and at the swimming beach showed lower cell counts than a previous sample collected May 4, indicating the bloom may be subsiding. However, one sample remained above the NJDEP advisory threshold for cell counts, and both toxin results were above advisory levels, the association said.
Because of the advisory, residents and visitors should avoid primary contact recreation, including swimming. Pets should not ingest lake water, and fish caught in the lake should not be eaten, according to the association.
The Mountain Lake Community Association conducted additional monitoring June 1 and collected another algae sample for lab analysis by Princeton Hydro. Results are expected by Friday.
The association said monitoring showed the lake is entering seasonal stratification, with warmer, oxygenated water near the surface and colder, oxygen-depleted water at deeper levels. Elevated cyanobacteria readings were detected at mid-depth, and high phosphorus levels in deeper anoxic waters may be a key factor contributing to blooms.
