New Jersey Beaches Under Advisory Due to Elevated Bacteria Levels

Several swimming areas in New Jersey are under scrutiny after tests revealed high levels of fecal bacteria in recreational waters. As of June 21, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued advisories for beaches in Ocean and Cape May counties.

The advisories were prompted by increased levels of enterococci, a type of bacteria used to gauge water quality. Affected locations include Cedar Point Beach and Beachwood Beach West in Ocean County. In Cape May County, Wildwood, Bay, Baywyn, Bay, and Ferry and Bay in Lower Township are also under advisories.

Water quality tests are routinely administered by the DEP, the New Jersey Department of Health, and local health officials. State standards limit the level to 104 enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water. If levels surpass this, a swimming advisory is issued, and further testing occurs to ensure water quality returns to safe levels. Currently, the DEP’s monitoring indicates no active coastal or freshwater closures.

The advisories were a result of extensive testing last week. On June 16, significant bacteria levels were found at ocean beaches in Monmouth County and several locations along the Jersey Shore. Many of those sites have since attained acceptable bacteria levels.

Possible sources of enterococci mentioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include discharges from wastewater treatment plants, leaky septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage from boats, and waste from both domestic and wild animals. Although the bacteria are generally not harmful, they may indicate the presence of other harmful pathogens which can cause skin, eye, ear, and respiratory illnesses.

The EPA also notes the risk of illness from consuming seafood from waters with fecal contamination. State officials will keep monitoring and testing the affected areas until water quality standards are met.

Monitoring and advisories help protect the public by highlighting potential risks in recreational water sites and ensuring timely action when necessary.