New Jersey's health department has issued a warning after finding bacteria normally found in human and animal wastes in the waters of these 15 beaches. (Published Wednesday, June 21, 2017)

Health officials are warning people not to swim at 15 beaches in New Jersey.

The state's Department of Health assesses water quality at about 180 ocean and 35 bay monitoring locations along the coast each week. They look for the presence of Enterocci, a type of bacteria found in human and animal waste that could indicate contamination of bathing waters.

The department issued advisories for 15 spots warning swimmers the water could be unhealthy. The beaches are not closed, but the advisories are issued out of an abundance of caution. The following places are affected (click here for the latest guidance from state health officials):

Top 10 Beaches in the US for 2017 Revealed

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Asbury Park City

Beach (Ocean): 7th Ave

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Beach (Ocean): 3rd

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Avon-by-the-sea Borough

Beach (Ocean): Sylvania

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Bradley Beach Borough

Beach (Ocean): Ocean Park

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Deal Borough

Beach (Ocean): Philips Ave

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Highlands Borough

Beach (Bay): Highlands Rec Center

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Beach (Bay): Miller Beach

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Long Branch City

Beach (Ocean): Atlantic Ave

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Beach (Ocean): North Bath

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Neptune Township

Beach (Ocean): Spray Ave.

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Sea Girt Borough

Beach (Ocean): Beacon Blvd

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Spring Lake Borough

Beach (Ocean): Essex Ave

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Beach (Ocean): Washington

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

OCEAN COUNTY

Brick Township

Beach (River): Windward Beach

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Toms River Township

Beach (Bay): Shelter Cove

Reason: Sample exceeded water quality standard.

Published at 9:56 AM EDT on Jun 21, 2017 | Updated at 2:38 PM EDT on Jun 21, 2017

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Warning: You May Not Want to Swim at These 15 Beaches in New Jersey - NBC New York