With beaches in Monmouth County closed the past two days because of rain, officials say they hope to have them open ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

The Department of Environmental Protection say after heavy rain fall, runoff from nearby Wreck Pond travels into the ocean through outflow pipes, possibly contaminating the water. Four beaches in Spring Lake and Sea Bright have been affected by the closures.

Until a plan to clean up Wreck Pond is complete, authorities say they will continue to close some beaches after it rains as a precaution.

The health department says 24 hours after heavy rain, contaminant levels drop dramatically and any bacteria present dies in about one day. Without any rain in sight, authorities say the beaches should open for the weekend.