Duration/Time Period: 2005-2009
Objective: In 2005, NJDEP renewed an ambient lake monitoring network designed to provide unbiased statewide statistically valid estimates for assessing lake water quality. This program involved the monitoring of 200 randomly selected lakes from 869 fresh water, non-tidal, named lakes. 40 lakes per year were sampled up to 3 times per year for chemical and physical parameters.
Duration/Time Period: 2010-2014
Objective: 196 of the original 200 lakes selected for Round 1 were monitored again for Round 2. The data provided info for another statewide assessment of lakes.
The network was redesigned in 2015 and renamed the Statewide Statistical Network.
Objective: BFBM established the Lake Regional Targeted Monitoring Network to support the Regional Comprehensive Assessment Method for the Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report (Integrated Report). The data is intended to produce an assessment of environmental conditions affecting water quality in each water region.
Time Period: 2015-2016
10 lakes from Lower Delaware Water Region lakes were monitored for the Regional Comprehensive Assessment Method Integrated Report cycle. These lakes were monitored 3 times each year for chemical and physical parameters.
Time Period: 2017-2018
10 lakes from the Upper Delaware Water Region were monitored for the Regional Comprehensive Assessment Method Integrated Report cycle. These lakes were monitored 3 times each year for chemical and physical parameters.
Time Period: 2019
10 lakes from the Northeast Water Region were monitored for the Regional Comprehensive Assessment Method Integrated Report cycle. These lakes were monitored 4 times for chemical and physical parameters.
Time Period: 2020-2021
13 lakes from the Atlantic Water Region were monitored for the Regional Comprehensive Assessment Method Integrated Report cycle. These lakes were monitored 2 times in 2020 (due to Covid-19 Pandemic) and 5 times in 2021 for chemical and physical parameters.
Duration/Time Period: Ongoing
Objective: This project was initiated in 2017 at three lakes: Deal Lake, Manasquan Reservoir, and Union Lake. The primary goal of this project is to develop a customized algorithm that can reliably detect and estimate phycocyanin concentrations in freshwaters through wavelength reflectance signatures. This algorithm will not be used for regulatory purposes. It will be utilized as a screening tool to detect relative increases and decreases in phycocyanin pigment concentrations. BFBM and Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring (BMWM) will work together to develop this customized algorithm by leveraging a similar process implemented by BMWM used for chlorophyll detection. By doing this, the BFBM will enhance their detection and response protocol for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) to better protect public and ecological health.
Duration/Time Period: 2013-2014
Objective: 80 Probabilistic lakes were monitored for the presence of harmful algal blooms between June and September each year. This data was used to determine the occurrence, extent, and exposure risk of microcystin toxins in lakes statewide. In addition, the monitoring provided enough samples for BFBM to develop the capability to analyze these toxins using the ELISA method.
Duration/Time Period: 2015-2016
Objective: This pilot was designed to address limitations in routine monitoring of harmful algal blooms and develop strategies for actions and response. In partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington and Camden Counties, lakes with recurring blooms were targeted to develop monitoring designs that best assessed recreational risk. Hopkins Pond and Smithville Lake were sampled weekly, August through September, for chemical and physical parameters along with a visual assessment.
Duration/Time Period: 2015-2016
Objective: This pilot was designed to develop a cost-effective means for lake stewards to screen for harmful algal bloom risks. In partnership with NJDEP State Park Service, state park staff monitored swimming lakes weekly, August through September, for harmful algal blooms. This screening included strip test and visual assessments which could alert BFBM to sample for toxin analysis as well as chemical and physical parameters.
Duration/Time Period:2007, 2012, 2017, 2022 (in progress)
Objective: The U.S. EPA National Lakes Assessment (NLA) is a statistical survey of the condition of our nation’s lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. U.S. EPA designed it to provide data on the extent of lakes that support healthy biological condition and recreation, estimate how widespread major stressors are, that impact lake quality and provide insight into whether lakes nationwide are getting cleaner.
11 lakes throughout New Jersey were selected for the NLA. These lakes were monitored once for a wide range of biological, chemical and physical parameters. More info can be found on the U.S. EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey NLA webpage (https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nla).
