Kiera Jefferson
New Jersey's beaches are a popular destination for many, but the question of whether the ocean is polluted has been a concern for locals and tourists alike. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic restricted beach attendance, but bacteria pollution at ocean and Barnegat Bay beaches remained a pressing issue. A report by the Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center revealed that in 2019, bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches indicated that the water was potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day out of 73. The primary sources of this pollution include polluted runoff from roads, overflowing sewers, and farms, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. While there have been calls for improved water infrastructure and initiatives to protect the ocean, such as Clean Ocean Action, the future of New Jersey's ocean health remains uncertain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beach with the highest bacteria levels | 5th Ave. Bay Front Beach at Seaside Park Borough |
| Number of times state action levels were triggered in 2020 | 35 |
| Beach with the second-highest bacteria levels | Beachwood West Beach |
| Beach with the highest number of unsafe days | Beachwood Beach West |
| Percentage of unsafe days at Beachwood Beach West | 50% |
| Beach with the third-highest bacteria levels | Barnegat Bay Beach |
| Number of unsafe days at Barnegat Bay Beach | 14 out of 30 days (47%) |
| Beach with the fourth-highest bacteria levels | Long Beach Township's bay beach |
| Number of unsafe days at Long Beach Township's bay beach | 4 out of 14 days (29%) |
| Beach with the fifth-highest bacteria levels | Surf City's bay beach |
| Number of unsafe days at Surf City's bay beach | 4 out of 17 days (24%) |
| Common sources of contamination | Polluted runoff from roads, overflowing or failing sewer systems, farms, runoff from fertilizers and septics, old leaky sewer pipes |
| Number of pounds of toxic chemicals released into water by factories and refineries in 2017 | 6 million |
| Number of pounds of toxic chemicals released into water by factories and refineries in 2016 | 13 million |
| Number of instances of people getting sick each year from polluted waters in the U.S. | 57 million |
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What You'll Learn
Unsafe bacteria levels at beaches
Unsafe bacteria levels have been detected at several beaches in New Jersey, prompting warnings and advisories for swimmers. The presence of high levels of Enterococci bacteria, which often originates from human and animal waste, can pose a risk to human health. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal problems, skin rashes, respiratory infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms.
In June 2025, one beach in Seaside Park, Fifth Avenue, was closed to swimming due to high levels of Enterococci bacteria. Four other beaches in Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May counties were under advisory, with water testing showing levels of 100 and 290 at two separate test sites. The beach at the 42nd Avenue Lagoon in Sea Isle City was also under an advisory, with levels of 120 colonies per 100 ml of water.
New Jersey's bay and river beaches are particularly vulnerable to bacteria pollution. A 2019 report by Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center found that bacteria levels made swimming potentially unsafe on at least one day 73 times that year. Beachwood Beach West, along Toms River, had potentially unsafe water 50% of the time it was tested. Barnegat Light Bay Beach saw 43% of testing days with potentially unsafe water. Other beaches that were potentially unsafe for swimming at least twice in 2019 included Sea Girt, Wildwood, Surf City, Belmar, and Long Branch.
The sources of Enterococci bacteria in the water include stormwater runoff, sewage discharged from ageing sewer systems, and domestic animal and wildlife waste. To address the issue of sewage overflows and run-off pollution, major infrastructure investments have been proposed, with the U.S. House of Representatives set to vote on a spending package that includes $11 billion in emergency water infrastructure funding.
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Toxic chemical release from factories and refineries
New Jersey's ocean is polluted, and one of the contributing factors is the release of toxic chemicals from factories and refineries. In 2017, industrial sites in New Jersey released almost six million pounds of toxic chemicals into the state's air, water, and land. This number is a significant decline from previous years, with 20 million pounds of toxic chemicals released in 2005, 13 million in 2010, and 6 million in 2016. The decrease in chemical releases is a result of tighter federal policies and improved emissions-capturing technology.
The top producer of toxic waste in New Jersey was the Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery in Linden, which generated almost half of the state's total toxic releases. This single refinery released 2.7 million to 2.8 million pounds of 33 different chemicals into the air and water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other major polluters include the Paulsboro Refining Co. in Paulsboro, Gloucester County, which released 1.1 million pounds of toxic chemicals, and Bergen County factories, which emitted 44,000 pounds, mostly into the air.
The toxic chemicals released into New Jersey's environment have significant health impacts on humans. Nitrate compounds, which made up 99% of the chemicals released into New Jersey's water in 2017, can cause decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, reduced blood oxygenation, vomiting, and even death at high concentrations. Ammonia, the leading industrial air pollutant in New Jersey, can damage the respiratory system if people are exposed to high amounts. Other toxic chemicals released include hydrogen cyanide, sulfuric acid, toluene, and xylene, which can cause various health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches, confusion, nausea, and even premature death.
The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program tracks the types and amounts of chemicals released by industrial sites and their health impacts. While there has been a positive trend in reducing toxic chemical releases in New Jersey, environmental groups remain concerned about the continued impact on the ocean and human health. They advocate for further improvements in infrastructure and emissions regulations to protect New Jersey's ocean and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.
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Oil and gas development
In 2023, New Jersey Democrats raised concerns about the potential dangers of oil and gas drilling along the state's Atlantic coast. They pointed to the risks posed by drilling-related oil spills, which have already ravaged coasts along the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and California. Despite these concerns, Republicans in Washington pushed for the passage of a bill known as H.R. 1, or the "Lower Energy Costs Act." This bill aimed to expedite energy projects and reduce costs associated with the development of federal energy resources. It also sought to waive environmental review requirements and restrict the federal government from imposing moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing.
The potential impacts of oil and gas development extend beyond environmental concerns. Offshore oil exploration, drilling, and production can disrupt the subsistence and cultural practices of Indigenous Peoples who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. Additionally, coastal communities that depend on fishing, tourism, and other ocean-dependent industries can be severely affected by the negative consequences of oil and gas activities.
Furthermore, the extraction of oil and gas is associated with increased infrastructure, such as pipelines, oil rigs, and ship traffic. This development can lead to various types of pollution, including chemical discharge and microplastic pollution. Microplastics, released during the extraction process, have been found in the lungs of fish and even in the deepest parts of the ocean, such as the Mariana Trench.
To address these concerns, environmental groups and politicians have advocated for a ban on offshore oil and gas development. In 2025, U.S. President Biden signed an executive order permanently prohibiting such activities along the U.S. coast, including off the New York/New Jersey coast. This decision was a significant victory for the tireless efforts of organisations like Clean Ocean Action and the unwavering support of federal and state officials, as well as engaged citizens.
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![Ground-water quality in east-central New Jersey, and a plan for sampling networks by Douglas A. Harriman and B. Pierre Sargent ; prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Departmen [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nNKsF6dYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Simulation of ground-water flow in the unconfined aquifer system of the Toms River, Metedeconk River, and Kettle Creek basins, New Jersey / by Robert S. Nicholson and Martha K. Watt ; [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Sewage leaks and runoff
The report identified polluted runoff from impervious surfaces, overflowing or failing sewer systems, and farms as primary sources of contamination in New Jersey's coastal waterways. Bay beaches are more vulnerable to runoff pollution than ocean-side beaches. This is because bays serve as massive stormwater basins, collecting runoff from roads, parking lots, and other developed areas. The degree of pollution is influenced by the amount and intensity of rainfall, with higher rainfall intensifying runoff pollution.
Leaking septic systems are also a significant concern, as they release bacteria and other contaminants into the water. Environmental groups have advocated for upgrading water infrastructure, including replacing ageing pipework and constructing more green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, to reduce runoff and sewage pollution. The overflowing sewers in New Jersey dump a staggering 7 billion gallons of untreated sewage into the state's waterways annually, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
While there have been no beach closures in New Jersey due to water quality concerns in recent seasons, the water quality at the state's beaches remains a critical issue. Upgrading water infrastructure and reducing runoff and sewage pollution are essential steps to ensuring the safety and cleanliness of New Jersey's beaches and waterways for residents and visitors alike.
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Blue-green algae blooms
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that function like plants, using light energy from the sun and nutrients from the environment to grow. They are naturally present in lakes and streams and can form blooms in warm, shallow, undisturbed, nutrient-rich surface waters that receive a lot of sunlight. These blooms can discolor the water, form floating mats or scum, and produce unpleasant odors. They may also negatively impact fish and other aquatic animals.
Environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and an abundance of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Reducing the supply of these nutrients can help decrease the intensity and duration of blooms. While blue-green algae blooms typically occur in freshwater systems, they can also impact coastal areas, potentially affecting boating and swimming activities.
Exposure to blue-green algae blooms can cause health issues in both humans and animals. Ingesting water with high levels of algal toxins can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, eye irritation, throat irritation, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties. Even at low concentrations, sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompetent may experience mild symptoms. It is important to avoid drinking or swimming in water where blue-green algae blooms are present.
In New Jersey, efforts are being made to address pollution and improve water quality. The "Safe for Swimming" report by Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center highlighted that in 2019, bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches made swimming potentially unsafe on multiple occasions. The report identified polluted runoff, sewer system issues, and farms as common sources of contamination. In response, there have been calls for infrastructure investments to prevent sewage overflows and run-off pollution. Additionally, Clean Ocean Action, an environmental group, has been working to protect the ocean and promote eco-friendly practices along the Jersey Shore.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the ocean in New Jersey is polluted. In 2019, a report found that bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches made swimming potentially unsafe on at least one day 73 times. Beaches around Barnegat Bay are also frequently plagued by high bacteria levels.
Pollution in New Jersey's ocean is caused by runoff from roads, overflowing sewer systems, and farms, and factories. In 2017, New Jersey factories and refineries released almost 6 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the water.
Clean Ocean Action is an organization working to address pollution in New Jersey's ocean. They have developed a virtual EcoGuide to promote the eco-friendly enjoyment of the Jersey Shore. Additionally, President Biden signed an executive order banning offshore oil and gas development along the U.S. coast, including the NY/NJ coast.
Yes, there are health risks associated with the pollution in New Jersey's ocean. Scientists estimate that 57 million people in the U.S. become ill each year from contact with polluted waters. The bacteria found in the ocean can cause illness, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals.
