Two New Jersey River Beaches Officially Closed Due To Poop Contamination

We usually don't like to talk about poo, but today, we don't have a choice.

Two popular river beaches have been temporarily closed due to elevated levels of bacteria linked to fecal contamination.

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According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), seven beaches statewide are under water quality advisories, but two have been officially shut down.

Which Beaches Are Closed?

The following beaches are currently off-limits:

• Parvin State Park Beach in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County
• Wildwood Beach in Ocean Gate, Ocean County (Note: This is not the main Wildwood beach in Cape May County)

These closures both come after routine water quality tests showed high bacterial levels in the water.

What’s Causing The Contamination?

The recent heavy rains are likely to blame. Water runoff from the storms can carry fecal matter from overflowing sewers, animal waste, and other pollutants into lakes, rivers, and yes, even ocean waters.

• READ MORE: NJ Lifeguard Saves Little Boy Before He Gets Swept Out To Sea

These contaminants increase bacteria like E. coli, which can lead to temporary closures while water quality improves.

Why You Should Avoid Swimming In Contaminated Water

Swimming in water with high bacterial levels of contamination can pose serious health risks that can have you down for the count for quite a while.

Exposure can lead to symptoms like stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections and rashes, and even in some cases respiratory issues or eye and ear infections.

• READ MORE: Iconic NJ Landmark Named The State's Most Overrated Tourist Trap

This is especially scary for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

How Long Will The Beaches Be Closed?

There is some good news here, though. These closures are typically short-lived (thank goodness). Water conditions often improve within 24 hours as the runoff clears and the water is retested. Still, it’s important to check before you go as there are never any guarantees.

To stay updated, visit the NJDEP’s official beach monitoring site for real-time information.

Over the next few days, make sure to choose a beach (river or ocean) with clean, tested waters for your next summer outing.

If you do have to avoid the beach right now, why not hit the woods and hike?