Swimming is banned at Spruce Run Recreation Area in Hunterdon County this summer due to harmful algal blooms that can cause health problems, New Jersey officials said Thursday.
Harmful algal blooms, known as HABs, are a “growing global problem” and have been detected in New Jersey lakes this year at various levels, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Related video below: Swimming at Pinchot State Park remains off-limits (WGAL Lancaster-Harrisburg)
Spruce Run currently has alert levels throughout the park indicating that the level of HABs could cause a moderate risk of adverse health effects. The level of toxins in water at the park is above the public health threshold, according to state officials.
The popular swimming, fishing and boating destination in Clinton previously experienced harmful algal blooms in 2021, forcing the lake to close for swimming.
Spruce Run is the third-largest reservoir in New Jersey, after the Round Valley and Wanaque reservoirs, according to the recreational area’s website. It has 1,290 acres of water and 15 miles of shoreline for recreation.
HABs happen when algae colonies grow and produce toxins that can harm people, fish, marine mammals and birds, experts say.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which naturally occur in fresh water, cause most of the blooms in New Jersey. In sunlight and hot weather, cyanobacteria can reach harmful levels, forming toxic blooms that look like blue or green paint spilled into the water.
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