Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Ocean Water Quality Program Returns for 29th Season

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 29th 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 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 22, 2017:

 Atlantic County Ocean Water Quality Index

 

                                         Excellent        Very Good     Good             Fair            Poor

                                             0-26              27-52           53-78            79-104     Above 104

 

            Atlantic City                14   
                                        
            Brigantine                    4                                

            Longport                      6                                            

            Margate                       4                                                        

            Ventnor                       6                                                        

                       

            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.

County News