TRENTON, NJ—The New Jersey Department of Health has issued water quality advisories for five beaches along the Jersey Shore due to elevated levels of bacteria. The advisories impact beaches in Atlantic and Ocean Counties, including popular spots in Atlantic City and Long Beach Township.
The affected beaches under advisory are:
- Arkansas Avenue Beach in Atlantic City, Atlantic County (Station AC1016)
- Beachwood Beach West in Beachwood Borough, Ocean County (Station OC0116)
- Stockton Beach in Long Beach Township, Ocean County (Station OC0073)
- 14th St Bay Front in Ship Bottom Borough, Ocean County (Station OC0069)
- Jennifer Beach in Stafford Township, Ocean County (Station OC0125)
These advisories follow the detection of Enterococci bacteria, commonly found in human and animal waste, which indicates potential health risks for swimmers. The state sanitary code mandates that bacterial levels must not exceed 104 Enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Beaches exceeding this limit prompt a swimming advisory, with further testing conducted daily until levels fall below the safety threshold.
Local health agencies may also close beaches if two consecutive daily samples exceed the bacteria standard, ensuring public health and safety. The NJDOH monitors approximately 220 beach locations weekly, testing for water quality to protect beachgoers throughout the summer season.
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