Holmdel

Jun 01, 2018

Monmouth County Health Department Update

Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program

The Monmouth County Health Department (MCHD) began its weekly beach water quality sampling program the week of May 14. Forty-seven guarded beaches in the County’s coastal region will be monitored for Enterococcus bacteria to assure safe bathing in coastal waters.  Bathing water is also monitored for other potential hazards, such as medical waste and algae blooms, to assure public safety. The MCHD collected over 1,000 water samples in 2017. Sample results can be found at njbeaches.org.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Once again, it is the time of year to Fight the Bite. There are two different, but equally important, steps to help you from getting bitten by mosquitoes.

1. Eliminate any standing water on your property. All mosquitoes use standing water to develop from the egg stage to the adult stage. Read the list of potential habitats for mosquito larvae.

2. Use insect repellants when you are outdoors. Whenever outdoors, use a mosquito repellent on exposed skin which contains one of the following active ingredients: picaridin, DEET, IR-3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow product label directions.

3. If you have a mosquito problem, submit a request for service to the County’s Mosquito Control at 732-542-3639.

New Jersey Revises Code Regulating Public Pools and Bathing Beaches

For the first time since 2009, New Jersey has revised NJAC 8:26, the state code regulating public swimming pools, wading pools, bathing beaches, spas and whirlpools, waterparks and spray parks. The changes will better protect the general public while at the beach or pool. Some of the changes include the requirement that an Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED) be on site; and public bathrooms must be available within 100 feet of the facility, or portable restrooms must be provided.

Additional changes in the code include a slight change in the wording of the required signage. Throw ropes capable of reaching from poolside to poolside are now required equipment. Reach/assist poles may not be telescoping, and plastic rescue hooks that snap on are no longer acceptable.

Add Your Septic Tank to Your Spring Cleaning List

As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home.

Unlike those who live in areas served by regional sewerage systems, septic system owners are unique because they are solely responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of their wastewater treatment and disposal system.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has created a Homeowners Guide that every homeowner using a septic system should read and follow. The entire Guide can be found at nj.gov/dep/dwq/pdf/septicmn.pdf.