The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently monitoring several recreational water sites across the state following the detection of elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. While the state maintains a rigorous testing schedule for public bathing beaches to ensure public safety, officials issue swimming advisories when bacteria counts exceed 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water, as defined by the New Jersey Cooperative Extension.
Why Bacteria Levels Trigger Advisories
The presence of enterococci, a group of bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, serves as a primary indicator of fecal contamination in recreational waters. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these bacteria are not typically harmful to humans themselves, but their elevated presence suggests that other pathogens—such as viruses, bacteria, or protozoa—may be present.
These contaminants can lead to skin, eye, ear, or respiratory infections if water is ingested or comes into contact with open wounds. The EPA identifies several common sources for these spikes, including:
- Stormwater runoff following heavy rain events.
- Leaking or overflowing septic systems.
- Discharges from wastewater treatment plants.
- Waste from domestic animals and local wildlife.
- Sewage discharge from recreational boating vessels.
How New Jersey Manages Beach Safety
New Jersey employs a two-tier system for managing water quality at public beaches. A swimming advisory is the first step, alerting the public that water quality is currently substandard. According to the New Jersey DEP’s official water monitoring dashboard, a beach closure is only mandated if two consecutive water samples fail to meet the state’s safety criteria.
Once a site is under advisory or closed, local health officials collect additional water samples. These sites remain under monitoring until testing confirms that bacteria concentrations have dropped back below the 104-colony threshold.
Understanding the Difference Between Advisories and Closures
It is common for beachgoers to confuse an advisory with a full closure. Under current state regulations, an advisory does not prohibit swimming, but it serves as a health warning.
| Status | Definition | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Advisory | Single sample exceeds 104 colonies/100mL | Public notification; increased monitoring |
| Closure | Two consecutive samples exceed 104 colonies/100mL | Swimming prohibited until safe levels return |
Checking Water Quality Before You Go
State and local health departments conduct routine testing throughout the summer season. Before heading to the shore, residents and visitors can view the most recent test results through the New Jersey DEP’s online tracking portal.
Because water quality can shift rapidly due to weather—specifically rainfall, which washes pollutants from land into the ocean or bay—officials recommend checking the dashboard for the most recent data. If you harvest seafood from these areas, the EPA cautions that consuming shellfish or fish from waters contaminated with fecal matter carries a heightened risk of illness, regardless of whether the beach is officially closed for swimming.