Located in southeastern Monmouth County, the Shark River is a regional destination for recreation and fishing at the Jersey Shore.  Yet, like many waterbodies in the area, the rapid development of land in the watershed, aging and failing sewer infrastructure, and a myriad of non-point source pollution and contamination has contributed to a significant reduction in water quality over the past several decades.

Historically, the Shark River boasted three swimming beaches, abundant fish and shellfish populations, and served as a raw water source for the NJ American Water (NJAW) Company. Starting in 1987 the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) classified the Shark River as Special Restricted, meaning that due to fecal and other contamination issues, shellfish harvesting is prohibited. Similarly, in 1998 NJAW stopped using the Jumping Brook, a feeder stream to the Shark River, as a source of water due to bacteria and sediment. Drinking water supplies were then shifted entirely to Shark River Brook. NJAWC withdraws and treats 1.8 billion gallons per year from the Shark River Brook to supply hundreds of thousands of customers in the nearby area.

Additionally, the beloved swimming beaches located in Neptune Township and Neptune City have prohibited swimming due to poor water quality for nearly 20 years. The remaining bathing beach at L Street in Belmar frequently reports high Fecal Indicator Bacteria concentration levels that result in temporary beach closures. Despite the dangers that the water quality conditions present to the community, people can regularly be seen engaging in swimming, shellfish harvesting, and other activities despite restrictions, posing a significant health and public safety threat to the community.

Five municipalities border the Shark River with a total population of 65,492 based on census data within the 2020 Monmouth County Profile Report. However, the people that will benefit from clean water go far beyond that number as the Shark River serves as a regional tourist destination that draws hundreds of thousands to the river and nearby ocean beaches during the summer season. This was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic when safe outdoor recreation areas continued to serve as vital places to socially distance. Furthermore, the Shark River plays an important role in providing fishing and recreational access to underserved populations throughout the region that both utilize the free swimming beach on L street and that fish at numerous places on the river.