Glen Rock duck pond experiencing harmful algae bloom; visitors advised to avoid water

GLEN ROCK — The algae bloom in the borough duck pond in Saddle River County Park continues to be harmful to pets and humans, read the warning signs.

The red-and-white signs first went up around the pond on Aug. 20 after the state Department of Environmental Protection confirmed the harmful algae bloom. The algae has yet to dissipate on its own, and the warnings remain, said DEP spokeswoman Caryn Shinske.

“At this point, cooler weather would help. Until the bloom breaks up on its own, we advise people to be mindful of signage about the bloom and to stay out of the water," Shinske said. "We also advise against fishing from that water for the time being.”

The DEP's Bureau of Freshwater & Biological Monitoring confirmed the algae condition, also called algal bloom, and warns visitors that fish caught in the pond should not be consumed and pets should not swallow or have contact with the water.

While cyanobacteria occur naturally in freshwater lakes and streams, the algae bloom, which looks like “pea soup,” can become denser and harmful under certain environmental conditions. The cyanobacteria blooms may release toxins into the water that are dangerous to pets and people. Warm temperatures, calm water and high nutrients all contribute to the condition.

The algae blooms reduce oxygen levels in water, posing a threat to fish and other aquatic life. A pound of phosphorus can generate 1,000 pounds of algae.

“Cyanobacterial blooms do not always produce toxins, but when they do the blooms can pose a risk to people, pets, livestock and wildlife if exposure occurs by ingestion, inhalation of contaminated water, or dermal contact," according to DEP information.

Rashes may occur when cyanobacteria cells come in contact with skin, said the DEP, which recently developed a new strategy with the Department of Health to identify and respond to such blooms.

“Pets go into the scum and it coats their fur, and dogs will lick it off. There have been numerous cases of dogs dying after being in intensely impacted waters,” said Steve Souza, founder of Princeton Hydro, a company that helps communities manage lakes. 

In humans, the toxins can cause ear, throat and gastrointestinal infections.

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DEP officials are looking into how the bloom specifically affects ducks that use the pond, Shinske said.

Since spring, the DEP has investigated 19 bloom conditions in freshwater bodies. Presently, 11 are considered to be no longer harmful.

Residents who suspect a bloom resulting from cyanobacteria can use the toll-free 877-WARNDEP hotline or WARN NJDEP app to notify the state.

Staff Writer James O'Neill contributed to this article. 

Email: grantm@northjersey.com