Mountain Lake algae bloom reaches highest levels recorded in 5 years, association says
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Mountain Lake is continuing to experience a significant algae bloom, with blue-green algae levels reaching the highest levels recorded since regular monitoring began five years ago, according to the Mountain Lake Community Association.
The association said water samples collected May 4 and submitted to Princeton Hydro for analysis confirmed cyanobacteria levels at 586,411 cells per milliliter. Results were received Sunday.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s harmful algae bloom advisory remains in effect, meaning primary contact recreational activities, ingestion of lake water by pets and consumption of fish caught in the lake should be avoided, according to the association.
Officials said it is difficult to determine the exact reasons for the worsening bloom. Phosphorus samples collected April 8 were low, while additional phosphorus samples collected May 4 are still awaiting results.
“There is a clear need for a well-informed action plan to address water quality in Mountain Lake,” the association said in a statement.
The Mountain Lake Community Association said it continues consulting with Princeton Hydro and assessing options. A plan developed by the association based on guidance from Princeton Hydro is expected to be presented during the group’s next meeting scheduled for June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain Lake Firehouse.
The association urged anyone interested in protecting and restoring the lake to attend the meeting. Until then, officials said the lake will continue to be monitored regularly and updates will be provided as they become available.
The association noted that algae blooms have routinely occurred in the lake during the spring in past years as part of a natural event associated with spring turnover and have typically subsided by late May. Officials said last year was an anomaly because the bloom lasted through June, adding they remain hopeful conditions this year will improve.
Additional monitoring data collected May 4 showed 2.5 feet of water clarity, temperatures of 59.9 degrees at the surface and 45.3 degrees near the bottom, and high oxygen levels down to 12 feet before dropping to zero at 27 feet.
