Home / Environment / NJ Beaches Under Advisory: Fecal Bacteria Found
NJ Beaches Under Advisory: Fecal Bacteria Found
22 Jun
Summary
- Five coastal swimming areas in Ocean and Cape May counties have advisories.
- Enterococci bacteria levels exceeded state standards, indicating potential contamination.
- Advisories do not close beaches, but two consecutive high readings lead to closure.
As of June 21, 2026, swimming advisories are in effect for five coastal locations in Ocean and Cape May counties, New Jersey. These advisories were issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) after water testing detected elevated levels of enterococci, a bacterium indicative of fecal contamination.
The affected areas include Cedar Point Beach and Beachwood Beach West in Ocean County, and Wildwood, Bay, Baywyn, and Bay, and Ferry and Bay in Lower Township, Cape May County. State standards permit a maximum of 104 enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters. Exceeding this threshold triggers an advisory and requires further sampling.
Currently, no beaches are officially closed, as closures require two consecutive failed tests. However, the DEP continues to monitor the situation and collect additional samples. Advisories follow a broader testing round on June 16, which identified issues at other Jersey Shore locations, many of which have since returned to acceptable levels.
Enterococci serve as an indicator for other potentially harmful pathogens in the water, which can cause various illnesses. Sources of contamination can include wastewater, septic systems, and animal waste. The EPA advises against consuming seafood from contaminated waters.
