Beach Closure System In New Jersey

SPRING LAKE, N.J. - In many states, when tests show high levels of bacteria in the water, swimmers are notified and beaches closed that same day.

But not in New Jersey.

A push is on by environmental groups for New Jersey to adopt stricter rules governing when beaches should be closed, or warnings issued to swimmers so they can make up their own minds about whether to take a dip.

When a water quality sample shows unsafe levels of bacteria in an ocean, bay or river, New Jersey requires that a second test be done by the next day to double-check the results.

In contrast, many other states close beaches or issue warnings as soon as an unsafe reading is received.