Budd Lake, photo by L. Theis.

Budd Lake is a critical waterbody in the Raritan Headwaters Region.  It is the largest naturally formed lake in New Jersey.  The lake is the source of the South Branch of the Raritan River, providing drinking water for 1.5 million New Jersey residents.  Located in Mount Olive Township it serves as a recreational hub for residents and visitors.  Unfortunately, the lake’s water quality has been deteriorating due to multiple factors.

In January 2023 NJ DEP approved a Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan for Budd Lake. Raritan Headwaters (RHA) partnered with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program and Mount Olive Township to develop the plan, which calls for improved storm water management around the lake to control pollution.  Read more about how you can help by installing a rain barrel and rain garden on your property.

Budd Lake Watershed Plan

Take an Active Role in Restoring Budd Lake

Below are a list of workshops and grants for Budd Lake residents.

 

THE PROBLEMS

Water Quality Issues

  • Stormwater Runoff and Pollution: Rainwater carries pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, and road salt from residential and commercial areas into the lake, degrading water quality and disrupting the lake’s ecosystem.
  • Algal Blooms:  Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and organic waste cause excessive algae growth. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been observed in Budd Lake, reducing oxygen levels in the water and posing risks to aquatic life and public health.
  • Sedimentation and Erosion:  Construction, land development, and deforestation have led to increased soil erosion and sediment deposition in Budd Lake. Sedimentation reduces water depth, alters aquatic habitats, and can lead to murky water conditions that negatively impact fish and plant life

THE SOLUTIONS

Improve Water Quality

  • Green Infrastructure(GI) Projects:  Rain gardens, green roofs, porous pavement, vegetated swales, and  bioretention are examples of green infrastructure.  By capturing and filtrating stormwater into the ground slowly GI effectively and sustainably improves water quality.  The Watershed Protection plan has identified fourteen sites as possible locations that could be retrofitted with green infrastructure.
  • Forest Preservation and Stream Buffer Restoration: Protection of forests should be a priority within the Budd Lake watershed. One target is the Black Brook, a tributary of Budd Lake, which has extensive remaining riparian forests.  Planting of native trees and removal of invasive plant species will help improve water quality, decrease erosion and reduce damaging effects of flooding.
  • Floating Wetland Islands (FWI):  FWIs can serve as an effective means of absorbing nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that otherwise would fuel the growth of algal blooms.  These structures are composed of woven, recycled, plastic material. Vegetation is planted directly into the plastic material of the FWI with some peat and mulch and then launched into a water body and anchored in place.
  • Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs):  There are 21 outfalls along Rte. 46 draining into Budd Lake.  These  storm drains can be retrofitted with manufactured treatment devices (MTDs) to help reduce sediment and phosphorus inputs.  The Mount Olive Township is in the process of obtaining grants to purchase the MTDs.
  • Goose Management:  One goose produces an average of 2 lbs. of waste per day, adding excess nutrients and pathogens to the lake.  Planting vegetated buffers along the shoreline would help to deter geese.  These buffers block their view from potential predators.