Last year, widespread algae blooms put a damper on summer fun in New Jersey. Lakes closed across the Garden State, sending lake lovers to the shore. This year, shore beaches are already hitting capacity so that’s not an option for many of us.

Unfortunately, algae blooms are back again.
Matthew Dillon/Flickr
Fortunately, they're not yet as severe as they were last year.
Lake Hopatcong is one of the more popular lakes under advisory.
andykazie/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images
Elevated levels of cyanobacteria were found at the beach area of Lake Forest Yacht Club (in the Jefferson portion of the lake) and at Mount Arlington Beach.
The levels were high enough to warrant a "blue" watch but not high enough to close the beaches for swimming. However, pets should avoid these areas.
Image/NJ DEP
Do not ingest water or consume fish.

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Other New Jersey lakes with beach areas under blue HAB (harmful algae bloom) watches include Swartswood Lake, Pemberton Lake, Rosedale Lake, and Kirkwood Lake.
Bogdan Migulski/Flickr
Not reopened for swimming yet due to a lack of lifeguards.
Several New Jersey lakes and ponds have areas under "orange advisories." Under an orange-level advisory, public bathing beaches are closed but lakes are still accessible for boating.
Bogdan Migulski/Flickr
These bodies of water include Spruce Run Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Dramasei Park Lake, Amico Island Pond, and Sunset Lake, among others.
How will these algae blooms affect our summer plans?
MPCA Photos/Flickr
They will have a limited effect on those of us avoiding public spaces but there are alternatives for those still visiting lake and ocean beaches. Lake Marcia at Hopatcong State Park, Hooks Creek Lake in Cheesequake State Park, and Lake Waywayanda are all currently open for swimming at reduced capacities. Many New Jersey lakes are not yet open for swimming including Atsion Lake and Shepherd Lake. Other lakes WILL NOT be opening for summer 2020 including Sunrise Lake Beach Club, Tomahawk Lake and Waterpark, Lake Nummy, and Lake Absegami.

Will the algae blooms affect your summer plans? Let us know in the comments! To keep track of current watches and advisories, you can use this interactive New Jersey algae bloom map. If you’d prefer safe, socially distant summer fun from home, you can check out this incredible virtual tour of Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate.

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