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NJ Beaches Face High Bacteria Advisories
18 Jun
Summary
- Several NJ beaches show high enterococci bacteria levels.
- Bacteria indicates possible contamination from fecal waste.
- Advisories are issued when bacteria exceed 104 colonies/100ml.
As of Thursday, June 18, 2026, several New Jersey beaches are under swimming advisories due to elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. This type of bacteria, found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, suggests potential contamination from fecal waste.
Sources of this contamination can include wastewater, stormwater runoff, or animal waste. Ocean County's Beachwood Beach West and Cedar Point Beach, along with three freshwater beaches on the Delaware Bay, have raised concerns. Only Cape May County's Beesley's Point Beach met criteria for closure.
An advisory is enacted when enterococci concentrations surpass 104 colonies per 100 milliliters. Advisories are lifted when conditions improve. Beach closures can also be prompted by algal blooms or other incidents. Garden City beaches anticipate crowds as temperatures rise this weekend.
