Heavy rain and severe flash flooding over the holiday weekend have triggered swimming advisories at 14 Jersey Shore beaches because of elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection placed 12 ocean beaches in Monmouth County and two bay beaches in Ocean County under advisories Tuesday afternoon.
Recent water samples at these locations revealed enterococci levels exceeding the state standard of 104 colony-forming units. Enterococci are bacteria that serve as a primary indicator of water contamination, which can include human or animal waste.
Monmouth County ocean beaches include:
- Allenhurst: Cedar Avenue Beach.
- Asbury Park: 3rd Avenue Beach, 7th Avenue Beach.
- Avon-by-the-Sea: Sylvania Avenue Beach, L Jetty / Washington Avenue Beach.
- Deal: Deal Casino, Hathaway Avenue Beach, Roosevelt Avenue Beach, Philips Avenue Beach.
- Loch Arbour: Village Beach Club.
- Neptune Township: Spray Avenue Beach.
- Sea Girt: The Terrace Beach.
Ocean County bay beaches include:
- Long Beach Township: Stockton Beach.
- Seaside Heights: Hancock Beach.
Environmental officials said spikes in bacteria levels are typically caused by stormwater runoff.
The DEP warns that swimming in or coming into contact with polluted water can cause a range of health issues.
A slightly tighter headline option:
14 Jersey Shore beaches under swimming advisories after storms bring high fecal bacteria levels