HOWELL – Residents and visitors can once again enjoy the Manasquan Reservoir after the harmful algal bloom (HAB) warning was officially lifted.
Approximately two weeks ago, the Monmouth County Parks System alerted the public of a harmful algal bloom at the Manasquan Reservoir. The public was advised to stay away from the water as exposure to HABs can cause allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation, and eye irritation.
According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), HABs can discolor the water or produce floating mats or “scums” on surface.
While the advisory warned against coming in contact with the water at the Reservoir, it did not warn against drinking or using treated water from the Reservoir.
While the warning was lifted at the Manasquan Reservoir, advisories remain in place at numerous other bodies of water throughout the state, including sections of Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake in Passaic County, and Spruce Run Reservoir in Hunterdon County.
According to the DEP, this summer has seen a high activity of algal blooms in New Jersey, possibly due to heavy rainfall carrying nutrient-rich stormwater into the water and warm weather.
