Why Is This Important?

Swimming in or contact with polluted water can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye and ear, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are minor most of the time, but can occasionally be more serious, especially in sensitive populations, such as in children and elderly. New Jersey's beach monitoring program assesses coastal water quality and pollution. Local agencies monitor the concentration of bacteria in coastal waters. Samples that are above the water quality standard indicate water that presents an increased risk of illness and may result in beach closings to protect public health. Closings may also be issued as a precaution, especially where contaminated storm water runoff may impact water quality at the bathing beach following heavy rainfall.

Definition

Number of ocean and tidal water beach closings due to elevated bacteriological levels.

Data Notes

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of ocean and tidal water beach closings due to elevated bacteriological levels.

• Denominator:

  Not applicable

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Health Topic Pages Related to: Beach Closings Due to Bacteriological Levels

• Environmental Exposures
• Water Quality