New Jersey beach swimming advisories issued over fecal bacteria levels
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Many swimming areas in New Jersey remain under scrutiny after water tests found high levels of fecal bacteria in recreational water areas across the state.
As of June 21, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) listed swimming advisories in five coastal areas in Ocean and Cape May counties.
The warnings were triggered by high levels of enterococci, bacteria commonly used to measure water quality at recreational swimming areas.
POPULAR BEACHES ARE CLOSING AS HIGH BACTERIA LEVELS INCREASE HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR SWIMMERS
Coastal advisories include Cedar Point Beach and Beachwood Beach West in Ocean County, as well as Wildwood and Bay, Baywyn and Bay and Ferry and Bay in Lower Township, Cape May County, the department said.
Water testing at New Jersey’s public recreational swimming beaches is conducted regularly by the DEP, working with the New Jersey Department of Health and local health officials.
Many swimming spots in New Jersey are being closely monitored after water quality tests detected high concentrations of fecal bacteria. (iStock)
State standards allow no more than 104 enterococcal colonies per 100 milliliters of sampled water. If the test result exceeds this threshold, a swimming advisory will be issued and additional samples will be taken until water quality returns to acceptable levels, the ministry said.
However, a swimming advisory does not automatically result in the closure of the swimming area.
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Under state rules, beaches are closed to swimmers only if two consecutive samples fail to meet water quality standards. They will remain closed until tests show bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels.
As of June 21, DEP’s monitoring dashboard showed no active coastal or freshwater closures.
Some bayside locations are under advisory due to high bacteria levels detected during recent water quality testing. (iStock)
The recommendations follow a wider round of testing carried out last week.
Elevated levels of fecal bacteria were detected on June 16 at three ocean beaches in Monmouth County and six river and bay areas along the Jersey Shore. NJ.com reported. Most of these sites returned to acceptable levels after additional testing.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists several possible sources of enterococci, including wastewater treatment plant discharges, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage released from recreational boats, and waste from pets and wildlife.
Although the EPA says enterococci are “not typically considered harmful to humans,” the bacteria can serve as a warning sign that other disease-causing organisms may be present in the water.
As of June 21, DEP’s monitoring dashboard showed no active closures at coastal or freshwater recreation areas. (Washington Post via Michael S. Williamson/Getty Images)
These pathogens; It may contain viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that can cause diseases affecting the skin, eyes, ears, and respiratory system.
The EPA also warns that consuming seafood from water contaminated with feces can lead to illness.
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Officials will continue to monitor affected locations and collect additional samples until bacteria levels return to acceptable standards.
Fox News Digital’s Jessica Mekles contributed reporting.
