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New Jersey beach cleanliness and water quality issues

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-20 16:49 UTC → 2026-08-24 17:10 UTC · added removed

A study by Just Bottle identified Keansburg Beach as the filthiest beach in New Jersey based on TripAdvisor reviews mentioning litter and cleanliness issues. Gunnison Beach and Wildwood Beach were also noted for frequent mentions of trash and lack of cleanliness. Following these reports, trash. Water quality concerns have intensified as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued swimming advisories for approximately 30 beaches statewide, including 22 in the shore region, due to high levels of fecal bacteria. region. In Atlantic City, ten specific beaches were beaches—including Connecticut, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, States, Texas, and Virginia Avenues—were affected by Enterococci levels exceeding 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, surpassing state safety standards. While swimming is still remains permitted, officials warned of potential stomach or skin issues and noted issues, particularly for vulnerable populations, noting that high bacteria levels are often linked to heavy rain runoff. Sanitation issues also manifested in Manasquan Beach, which was temporarily closed to swimmers after dozens of syringes washed ashore. Following a report of five needles, local crews conducted a sweep that uncovered a total of 60 syringes. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection indicated the debris likely resulted from sewer overflows caused by recent heavy rainfall, noting much of the recovered items were household waste, such as insulin syringes. Although the south end of the beach reopened after monitoring two high-tide cycles, some beachgoers reported finding additional needle plungers and drug paraphernalia, raising local safety concerns.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-24 17:10 UTC New Jersey beach cleanliness and water quality issues
  2. 2026-08-20 16:49 UTC New Jersey beach cleanliness and water quality issues

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