COURT HOUSE – Ocean water at Cape May County beaches is safe for swimming, according to the latest ocean water monitoring results posted to the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) website June 18.
There were no beach closures or swimming advisories this week in Cape May County.
No ocean water samples in Cape May County exceeded the state bacteria standard.
According to DEP’s website, “Any initial sample that exceeds the state standard requires that the local health agency issue a swimming advisory at the bathing beach where the sample was collected. Swimming advisories warn the public of potentially unhealthy water conditions. Additional sampling is conducted until water quality results are again within the standard.
No ocean water samples in Cape May County exceeded the state bacteria standard.
According to DEP’s website, “Any initial sample that exceeds the state standard requires that the local health agency issue a swimming advisory at the bathing beach where the sample was collected. Swimming advisories warn the public of potentially unhealthy water conditions. Additional sampling is conducted until water quality results are again within the standard.
“Beaches are closed if two consecutive samples collected at a bathing beach exceed the state standard. Beach closings remain in effect until subsequent sampling indicates bacteria levels are again below the standard.
“The closure applies to water activities like swimming, wading, and playing in the water. Other beach-related activities like sunbathing and walking on the beach are unaffected.
“Health authorities may close beaches at any time for any reason as a precaution in order to protect public health. Precautionary beach closings can be caused by wash-ups of debris or trash or household medical products, breaks or spills to sewer lines that may discharge to a bathing beach, extraordinary weather events, or any other condition that may affect public health. If a health authority closes a beach due to a wash-up of debris, they may limit all access to the beaches, if needed, to protect public health.”
Del. Bay Water Not Monitored
While some swimmers shun the Atlantic Ocean for the placid waters of Delaware Bay in Lower and Middle townships, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection does not monitor bay water quality.
According to Bruce Friedman, director of the DEP’s Division of Water Monitoring and Standards, the bays are not considered public recreational beaches under state health regulations since they are unguarded.
Should municipalities elect to staff the bay beaches with lifeguards, water monitoring would be considered.
