Is it dangerous to swim in New Jersey beaches? Swimming advisories issued for 6 beaches over dangerous levels of fecal bacteria
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued swimming advisories for six Atlantic County ocean beaches on Tuesday afternoon, August 1, after water samples collected on Monday, July 17, showed high levels of fecal bacteria, particularly enterococcus. The impacted beaches are now under increased monitoring and will be subjected to further testing before any action is taken to close them.
Beaches under advisory
The six Atlantic County beaches placed under swimming advisories are as follows:
1. 13th Avenue Beach in Longport
2. 19th Street Beach in Longport
3. 26th Avenue Beach in Longport
4. Washington Avenue Beach in Margate City
5. Osborne Avenue Beach in Margate City
6. Washington Avenue Beach in Ventnor City
Is it dangerous to swim in New Jersey beaches?
The presence of enterococcus, a type of bacteria commonly found in animal and human waste, serves as an indicator of potential fecal contamination in the water. Such contamination can be accompanied by harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose a risk to human health, as outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A water safety advisory is issued when the concentration of enterococcus bacteria exceeds 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of the water sample, as mandated by the New Jersey State Sanitary Code. The beaches under the advisory are still open for swimming but will undergo daily sampling until bacteria levels drop below the standard. If two consecutive daily samples continue to exceed the limit, the beaches will be closed for public safety.
The recent spike in bacteria levels is attributed to stormwater runoff caused by heavy rainfall in Atlantic County over the weekend. Rainwater washes pet and wildlife waste, sewage, and pollutants from leaky systems into streams and rivers, eventually making its way to the ocean and contaminating the beaches.
Health risks and vulnerable groups
The EPA emphasizes that children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to the adverse effects of contaminated water. Contact with polluted water can result in a range of health symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), respiratory problems (sore throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing), eye and ear irritation, skin rashes, itching, and flu-like symptoms (fever and chills).
The DEP reminds pet owners to pick up after their pets to minimize water pollution, as animal waste is one of the potential sources of enterococcus in water. In addition to pet waste, sewage discharged or dumped from recreational boats, and domestic animal and wildlife waste can also contribute to elevated bacteria levels in beach waters, per The Patriot News.
Nationwide concerns
Recent studies by Environment America revealed alarming findings, with approximately half of the beaches nationwide testing potentially unsafe last year due to fecal contamination levels exceeding the EPA's "Beach Action Value." This value serves as a preventative measure to monitor bacteria levels and protect public health.
As the affected Atlantic County beaches continue to be closely monitored, officials urge beachgoers to exercise caution and stay informed about water safety advisories. It is essential to follow any guidelines issued by local authorities and the DEP to protect public health and ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all visitors.