At least 12 beaches were closed Thursday because of "unsafe" levels of bacteria found in animal and human waste, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

On top of that, swimming at all Seaside Heights ocean beaches was banned because of poor water quality. Read more: All Seaside Heights Ocean Beaches Closed To Swimming. Here's Why. Initially, five across the state were closed after the heavy rain and thunderstorms over the weekend. On Wednesday, after tests were taken, another seven were closed.

The problems were initially discovered Monday and Tuesday, with nearly 20 beaches exceeding the bacteria concentration limit of 104 colony-forming units (cfu) of Enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, according to the DEP.

Advisories were issued at 17 beaches which were open to the public on Wednesday, while another five were closed. Here are the beaches that closed on Thursday:

Atlantic

Brigantine: 26th St Ocean

Pine Beach: East Beach Station Ave

Pine Beach: West Beach Avon Rd

Seaside Heights: Lincoln Ave

Seaside Heights: Sheridan Monmouth

Belmar: L Street Beach

Loch Arbour: Village Beach Club

Sea Girt: The Terrace

Sea Girt: Beacon Blvd

Spring Lake: York Ave

Spring Lake: Brown Ave S

Spring Lake: Essex Ave Some of the harmful effects of Enterococci, a bacteria found in animal and human waste, include infections that cause fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

