High Fecal Bacteria Warning at 10 South Jersey Beaches

Ten beaches in Atlantic City were placed under swimming advisories on Tuesday after New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection found that water samples taken at them showed high levels of fecal bacteria.

Statewide, 30 beaches across New Jersey, including 22 in the shore region, are under advisory for higher than acceptable levels of fecal material following testing by the DEP. 

The water samples taken on Monday showed they had more than 104 colony-forming units of enterococci. The beaches were placed under a swimming advisory, and the water will be tested again on Wednesday.

Here Are the Beaches Under a Swimming Advisory

In Atlantic City, the beaches are Connecticut Avenue, Iowa Avenue, Mississippi Avenue, Missouri Avenue, North Carolina Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, South Carolina Avenue, States Avenue, Texas Avenue, and Virginia Avenue.

What Does a Swimming Advisory Mean in New Jersey?

A swimming advisory does not mean the beach in question is closed. A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection swimming advisory means the initial water test found high levels of fecal bacteria -- Enterococci -- exceeded state standards.

Swimming is still allowed, but swimmers are warned of a higher risk of illness. I wouldn't let my kids swim in it, but that's the state regulation.

High bacteria numbers often come from heavy rain runoff carrying animal or bird waste. They can cause stomach or skin issues. Children and sick people face higher risks.

The DEP tested the water on Tuesday and will have the results of those tests by Wednesday afternoon. If two tests in a row fail, the beach will be closed.

In that case, "No Swimming' signs would be posted, and wading, playing, or swimming in the water would be banned until an additional test shows safe levels of bacteria.