HOWELL - The Manasquan Reservoir is contaminated with a harmful algae bloom that could sicken people who have contact with the water, according to the Monmouth County Park System.

"Do not drink or have contact with the water including, but not limited to, swimming, wading, and watersports," park system officials wrote on their Facebook page. "Fish caught in this water body should not be eaten. Pets and livestock should not contact or drink the water."

On Wednesday, beach advisories for water quality were issued at Ocean County Park Beach in Lakewood and A. Paul King beach in the Manahawkin section of Stafford. An advisory means that water quality samples showed bacteria levels above the state limit, which could make some people sick.

More:Why are New Jersey's largest lakes becoming choked by algae blooms this summer?

Harmful algae blooms can be triggered by combinations of water temperature, water acidity, nitrogen and pollution, and water flow, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Some harmful algae can cause abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, blistering around the mouth, bloody diarrhea, among other signs of illness, according to the EPA. The Monmouth County Parks System did not immediately say which type of algae was discovered in the Manasquan Reservoir.

The 770-acre reservoir is the source of fresh water for towns and water utilities throughout Monmouth County. Reservoir water typically passes through a filtration system before heading to people's homes through pipes. The reservoir supplies the region with up to 30 million gallons of freshwater per day, according to Monmouth County Park System officials.

The reservoir is not alone. Blooms of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, have shut down water sports at several of northern New Jersey’s most popular lakes this summer, including Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir, Swartswood Lake and Rosedale Lake.

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Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.