47 NJ Beaches Have High Bacteria Levels
Last week the number was 10, and now FORTY-SEVEN beaches in Ocean, Monmouth, Atlantic & Cape May counties have tested with high levels of fecal bacteria.
When water tests come back and show more than 104 "colony forming units" or CFUs per 100 milliliters of water, the beach is put under advisory. If the level maintains or rises after the next test, the beach is closed by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The following beaches are under advisory.
Ocean County
Brick: Windward Beach
Pine Beach: East Beach Station Avenue
Point Pleasant Borough: Maryland Avenue
Seaside Park: 5th Avenue
Toms River: Shelter Cove
Atlantic County
Atlantic City: Dover Avenue, Michigan Avenue, Texas Avenue, Chelsea Avenue, Missouri Avenue, Illinois Avenue, Bartram Avenue, Albany Avenue, Kentucky Avenue
Margate City: Clermont Avenue, Osborne Avenue, Gladstone Avenue
Ventnor City: Dorset Avenue, Washington Avenue, Austin Avenue, New Haven Avenue
Monmouth County
Deal: Hathaway Avenue, Phillips Avenue, Deal Casino
Loch Arbour: Village Beach Club
Long Branch: Joline Avenue, Elberon Beach Club, South Bath Avenue, North Bath Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Ocean Beach Club
Neptune (Ocean Grove): Broadway
Sea Girt: Neptune Place
Spring Lake: Brown Avenue South, York Avenue
Cape May County
Cape May: Grant Street, Philadelphia Avenue, Queen Street North
Lower Township: Richmond Avenue
Wildwood: Montgomery Avenue, Bennett Avenue
Wildwood Crest: Jefferson Avenue, Miami Avenue, Orchid Road, Hollywood Avenue, Forget Me Not Road, Lavender Road
In case you're wondering (like I am) what is causing this increase in fecal bacteria, DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said the elevated numbers are probably the result of the weekend's rain and stormwater runoff.
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