TRENTON — Advisories at 14 of fifteen ocean and bay beaches on the Jersey Shore under an advisory for higher than normal levels of bacteria have been lifted.

One beach on the list continued to test high and was closed per DEP policy while two were added to the list.

The likely culprit is Monday's heavy rain that picked up bacteria from geese or seagulls, resulting in testing by the state Department of Environmental Protection showing high levels of enterococci, a type of bacteria found in animal and human waste.

The beaches at Brown Ave South and York Avenue, both in Spring Lake Borough, are now under advisories.

The water will be tested again on Thursday. If bacteria levels remain high, the beaches will be closed per DEP policy.

The earlier affected beaches:

Monmouth County:

  • 7th Avenue Beach, Asbury Park
  • 3rd Avenue Beach, Asbury Park
  • Sylvania Beach, Avon-By-The-Sea
  • Ocean Park, Bradley Beach
  • Philips Ave. Beach, Deal
  • Highlands Rec Center, Highlands is now CLOSED.
  • Miller Beach, Highlands
  • Atlantic Ave. Beach, Long Branch
  • North Bath, Long Branch
  • Spray Ave., Neptune Township
  • Beacon Blvd., Sea Girt
  • Essex Ave., Spring Lake Borough
  • Washington, Spring Lake Borough

Ocean County

  • Windward Beach, Brick
  • Shelter Cove, Toms River

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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