Though we currently have a tool that allows for the mass reporting of recreational HABs that feeds the decision making process for establishing and posting advisories, we do not currently have a tool to use for drinking water systems. This is largely due to the security issues with showing drinking water intakes on a public platform. Therefore, we would like to essentially copy the recreational platform (with a few input tweaks) and place it on a private platform. This platform is critical for the protection of public health. https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/49190166531d4e5a811c9a91e4a41677.

Currently the Division collects emails with various inputs from systems and tracks them in a spreadsheet. However, without a clear and consistent reporting method and without the locational/spatial accompanying information, the Division is at a huge disadvantage for tracking HABs that could impact drinking water systems.

The recreational HAB reporting and communication tool (NJDEP-DWMS, Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring (state.nj.us)) has proven to have great success, and we would like to mimic this platform.

HAB related issues tend to increase as we enter the warmer months. Would like to have this system in place by then.