Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Atlantic County Reports Excellent Ocean Water Quality

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of the summer season, the waters off of Atlantic County’s beaches have received an “excellent” Ocean Water Quality rating.

The Atlantic County Ocean Water Quality Program, in its 28th season, ensures safe bathing areas for residents and tourists who visit Atlantic County’s 14 miles of beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Weekly results are easily accessible by accessing the county’s web site at www.aclink.org, by calling the seasonal toll-free hotline 1-800-633-SWIM or subscribing through the county’s email notification system. Results are also posted at area lifeguard stations.

“The Ocean Water Quality Program ensures residents and visitors that the ocean waters along Atlantic County’s coastline are clean and safe,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Our waters have traditionally received an ‘excellent’ rating and we expect that high standard to continue this season.”

“Our beaches are open; our waters are clean; there’s no better place to enjoy your summer,” added Levinson.

The Atlantic County Ocean Water Quality Program is coordinated by the Atlantic County Division of Public Health in cooperation with the Atlantic City Health Department. Health Officials take weekly water quality samples at 42 different sites in Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport and Somers Point. Each water sample is tested for bacteria by the Atlantic County Utilities Authority according to standards set by the New Jersey State Department of Health.

The Ocean Water Quality Index includes the following five grades, based on the average number of enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters of water:

Excellent, 0-26 bacteria count; Very Good, 27-52 bacteria count; Good, 53-78 bacteria count; Fair, 79-104 bacteria count; Poor, bacteria count above 104, waters closed to swimmers.


The index below reflects water testing samples from Monday, May 23, 2016:

Atlantic City 6
Brigantine 4
Longport 9 Margate 12 Ventnor 7

Rating: All Excellent

For more information on this program, visit www.aclink.org/publichealth/ocean or call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5935.

Click here to learn more.

County News