With a harmful algal bloom advisory and closed beaches on Greenwood lake as well as forecasted hot and humid conditions this weekend, Mayor Michele Dale announced that the lake at Bubbling Springs Park on Macopin Road would be open for free swimming for township residents.
Dale said the free swimming weekend is due to the forecasted heatwave and because public swimming areas at Greenwood Lake are closed due to the dangerous algae bloom.
State Department of Environmental Protection officials closed three public beaches in the township as well as Brown’s Point Park and Greenwood Lake Dam for swimming and other water activities on Tuesday due to a harmful algal bloom similar to the one plaguing Lake Hopatcong.
Dale said residents of the township can swim free at the park this weekend by simply showing their driver’s licenses at the gate to prove they live in the township.
The DEP advises the public to not come in contact with the water on Greenwood Lake as the bacteria associated with the bloom could cause a variety of symptoms including rashes, irritation, and even vomiting and other gastrointestinal ailments if ingested.
The state also advises that pets should be kept away from the lake water while the bloom is present.
Expected heavy rains from tropical storm Barry and excessive heat could increase the size of the bloom because heavy rain runoff brings phosphorus into the lake, which act as nutrients for the bloom, and then the heat causes growth, according to the DEP.