Jersey Shore Ocean Water 2nd Cleanest in Nation

So much for stereo-types: Jersey Shore ocean water is the 2nd cleanest in Nation.

"Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches" places New Jersey beaches as the second cleanest in the nation in 2010. New Hampshire was ranked No. 1; last place went to Louisiana.

A report was released by the nonprofit environmental organization, highlights the levels of pollution that exist in some of our favorite vacation spots. The NRDC gathered data from 3,200 beaches across the country. What they found was that beach closings and safety advisories occurred 24,901 times in 2010 -- and more than 70 percent of these incidents were due to the water's bacterial contamination.

The report points to poor sewage treatment systems and contaminated stormwater as the main causes of beachwater pollution in other parts of the country. Much of the 29 percent increase in these advisories and beach closings can be accounted for by the BP oil spill and heavier levels of rainfall that went on in Hawaii.

Since beachgoers both expose their skin to this water and often ingest it, this information is cause for concern. Contaminated water can pose a host of health risks to people including rashes, vomiting, bowel issues and other serious infections.

To encourage the public to be informed about the water quality of their local beaches, the NRDC's report included a list of the best and worst beaches, rated by water quality over the last few years as well as vigilance when it comes consistent water testing and communication with the public about any health risks.

So, come to The Jersey Shore where the water is fine and the beaches are clean!!