Environmental department: Stay out of Union County lake

UNION COUNTY, N.J. —

Samples of water in Clayton Lake tested by the state environmental department found toxic algae that make swimming unsafe for humans and animals.

Harmful algae blooms, also called HABs, happen when their growth is excessive. HABs can be blue, bright green, brown or red, smell bad, and resemble scum or floating grass clippings, and can produce algae that makes contact with the water harmful, externally or internally.

People are warned not to swim, wade, paddleboard or waterski in Clayton Lake. Pets should not be brought to the lake, and people and children along the shoreline should avoid algae. If fish are caught in the lake, they must be rinsed with clean water and filleted before cooking thoroughly.

The New Mexico Environment Department will continue to monitor t