Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Ocean Water Quality Program Returns for 30th Season

The Atlantic County Ocean Water Quality Program is celebrating its 30th season of providing weekly reports for waters off Atlantic County’s 14 miles of beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The testing helps to ensure safe bathing areas for residents and visitors.

Weekly results are easily accessible from the county’s web site at www.aclink.org, by calling the seasonal toll-free hotline 1-800-633-SWIM, or 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.

　

Week of May 21, 2018 results: All Excellent

Atlantic City 4

Brigantine 4

Longport 3

Margate 4

Ventnor 3

 

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