The NJ Department of Health
(NJDOH) assesses water quality at approximately 180 ocean and 35 bay monitoring
stations along the NJ coast beginning mid-May and ending in mid-September.
These samples are tested for Enterococci,
a type of bacteria in animal and human feces. The presence of these bacteria
could indicate the possible contamination of waters people use for enjoyment
and relaxation. Swimming advisories are issued based on the amount of bacteria
per 100mL of sample. If the concentration of bacteria in a sample exceeds the
state standard (greater than 104 colonies), a swimming advisory is put into
place and further sampling is done each day. If two consecutive daily samples
are greater than the standard amount, the beach closes until the subsequent
results are below the standard. The NJDOH notes that regional health or
enforcement agencies can close beaches at any time they feel necessary to
ensure public and health safety.
(The NJ Department of Environmental Protection manages
the NJ Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program referenced above where county
health departments conduct water quality monitoring on recreational beaches in
NJ.)
Stay tuned to COA’s Facebook page every Tuesday throughout the summer for updates on beach advisories and closings. Additional information on this program can be found at njbeaches.org.
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