NJ Beaches Under Scrutiny for Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels
Several popular New Jersey swimming spots are currently under advisement due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria detected in the water. As of June 21, recreational water sites in Ocean and Cape May counties have been flagged by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for exceeding safety standards.
Health Concerns Prompt Swimming Advisories
The advisories stem from elevated counts of enterococci, a type of bacteria commonly used to gauge the health of recreational waters. These advisories affect five coastal locations: Cedar Point Beach and Beachwood Beach West in Ocean County, and Wildwood, Bay, Baywyn and Bay, and Ferry and Bay in Lower Township, Cape May County.
Regular water quality testing is conducted by the DEP in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and local health officials. State regulations stipulate that no more than 104 enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water is permissible. When test results surpass this threshold, a swimming advisory is issued, prompting further sampling until water quality improves.
Beach Closures vs. Advisories
It is important to note that a swimming advisory does not automatically lead to a beach closure. Under state guidelines, beaches are only shut down to the public after two consecutive water samples fail to meet the required quality standards. These closures remain in effect until subsequent testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels.
As of the latest update on June 21, the DEP’s monitoring data indicated no active coastal or freshwater beach closures. These advisories follow a broader testing initiative last week, which on June 16 identified elevated fecal bacteria at three ocean beaches in Monmouth County and six river and bay locations along the Jersey Shore. Many of these previously affected sites have since shown improvement.
Potential Sources and Risks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies several potential origins for enterococci bacteria, including discharges from wastewater treatment facilities, compromised septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage from recreational watercraft, and waste from both domestic animals and wildlife.
While the EPA clarifies that enterococci itself is typically not considered harmful to humans, its presence can serve as a critical indicator of other potentially dangerous pathogens. These can include viruses, bacteria, and protozoa capable of causing a range of illnesses affecting the skin, eyes, ears, and respiratory system. Furthermore, the EPA cautions that consuming seafood harvested from waters contaminated with fecal matter could lead to illness.
Officials are continuing their monitoring efforts at the affected locations, collecting additional samples to ensure bacteria levels return to safe and acceptable standards for public swimming.
