[showhide type=”7-16-2021″ more_text=”7.16.21 – Water Advisory Lifted for Upper Magothy Community Beach on Magothy River in Pasadena (Advisory Issued 7.12.21)” less_text=”7.16.21 – Water Advisory Lifted for Upper Magothy Community Beach on Magothy River in Pasadena (Advisory Issued 7.12.21)”]

July 16, 2021 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has lifted the water advisory against swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Upper Magothy Community Beach on Magothy River in Pasadena, Maryland. Samples collected on July 14 were found to be acceptable for direct water contact.

On July 12, high bacterial levels were found in the beach’s water sample results, and signs were posted.

For more information, visit www.aahealth.org/recreational-water-quality-report or call the Water Quality Information Line at 410-222-7999. Subscribers to the free water quality e-alerts will be notified when recreational waterway advisories and closings are issued.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”5-26-2021″ more_text=”5.26.21 – Recreational Water Advisory Lifted for Elizabeths Landing, Lombardee Beach and Sunset Beach on Stoney Creek (Advisory Issued 5.23.21)” less_text=”5.26.21 – Recreational Water Advisory Lifted for Elizabeths Landing, Lombardee Beach and Sunset Beach on Stoney Creek (Advisory Issued 5.23.21)”]

May 26, 2021 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has lifted the advisory against swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Elizabeths Landing, Lombardee Beach and Sunset Beach on Stoney Creek. The advisory was due to a 6,500-gallon wastewater spill on May 23 that resulted from a force main break on Nabbs Creek Road in Glen Burnie.

On May 24, the Department of Health collected water samples from Elizabeths Landing and Sunset Beach, the two Stoney Creek beaches that are part of the seasonal recreational water quality sampling program. Results received today show the following acceptable bacterial levels for swimming and other direct water contact.

Elizabeths Landing: 2 (most probable number of bacteria colonies) per 100 milliliters of water

Sunset Beach: 3 (most probable number of bacteria colonies) per 100 milliliters of water

The EPA acceptable standard is 104 or fewer enterococci bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Enterococci bacteria come from the intestines of all warm-blooded animals and are associated with fecal contamination.

For more information, visit https://aahealth.org/anne-arundel-county-recreational-water-advisories-closings.[/showhide]

[showhide type=”12-18-20″ more_text=”12.18.20 -Sloop Cove Tributary on Stoney Creek in Glen Burnie Has Extended Closure Due to Second Sewage Spill (12.10.20- Sloop Cove Tributary on Stoney Creek in Glen Burnie CLOSED Due to Sewage Spill and Opened 12.25.20)” less_text=”12.18.20 -Sloop Cove Tributary on Stoney Creek in Glen Burnie Has Extended Closure Due to Second Sewage Spill (12.10.20- Sloop Cove Tributary on Stoney Creek in Glen Burnie CLOSED Due to Sewage Spill and Opened 12.25.20)”]

December 18, 2020 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has ordered an extended closure and warns against swimming and other direct water contact for a tributary of Sloop Cove on Stoney Creek due to a December 18 sewage spill on Opel Road of more than 100,000 gallons.

On December 9, the feeder stream to the headwaters of Sloop Cove in Glen Burnie had been impacted by a sewage spill that occurred. The Department of Public Works reported a direct impact sewage overflow of 102,400 gallons (with 3,000 gallons recovered). Total discharge to the feeder stream was 99,400 gallons. The feeder stream is estimated at 3,000 feet from the headwaters of Sloop Cove and is located in a heavy wooded ravine area.

This closure is in effect for one more week. There are no community beaches in the affected area, therefore sampling will not occur.

The Department of Health advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

For more information, visit www.aahealth.org/recreational-water-quality-report, or call the Recreational Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999.[/showhide]

[showhide type=”8-26-20″ more_text=”8.26.20 – Herald Harbor Community Beach in Crownsville Advisory Against Swimming and Direct Water Contact (Advisory Lifted 9.2.20)” less_text=”8.26.20 – Herald Harbor Community Beach in Crownsville Advisory Against Swimming and Direct Water Contact (Advisory Lifted 9.2.20)”]

September 2, 2020 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has lifted its advisory against swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Herald Harbor Community Beach on the Severn River in Crownsville. The advisory was issued on August 26 due to high bacterial levels found in the beach’s water sample results. Water samples collected from the beach on August 31 were found to have acceptable bacterial levels for swimming and other direct water contact.

The Department of Health issues advisories against direct water contact when routine sampling results exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s acceptable standard for enterococci bacteria.

For more information, visit www.aahealth.org/recreational-water-quality-report, or call the Recreational Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999.[/showhide]

[showhide type=”8-5-20″ more_text=”8.5.20 – All Anne Arundel County Beaches No Swimming or Direct Contact Advisory After any rainfall of 1/2 inch or more” less_text=”8.5.20 – All Anne Arundel County Beaches No Swimming or Direct Contact Advisory After any rainfall of 1/2 inch or more”]

August 5, 2020 – After any rainfall of 1/2 inch or more, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health has a countywide preemptive waterway advisory due to elevated bacterial levels and increased health risks. Yesterday, the county received rainfall between 3.4″ and 5.5″, and there will be a no-swimming/no direct contact advisory (which includes kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing) for all county beaches and waterways for the next 48 hours. The Department’s Recreational Water Quality Program will not be sampling or placing signs at any sites during this period. The program will resume its routine sampling next week, pending additional weather events.

The following areas were also impacted by sewage overflows during the storm and the Department of Health directs against water contact at these sites for seven days:

• Back Creek in Annapolis
• Lake Ogleton in Annapolis
• Black Walnut Creek in Annapolis
• Fishing Creek in Annapolis

The Department of Health advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.[/showhide]

[showhide type=”7-27-20″ more_text=”7.27.20 – Boyds Cove in Annapolis Closed Due to Sewage Spill (Advisory Lifted 8.1.20)” less_text=”7.27-20 – Boyds Cove in Annapolis Closed Due to Sewage Spill (Advisory Lifted 8.1.20)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has ordered an emergency closing and warns against swimming and other direct water contact in Boyds Cove, off of the South River in Annapolis, Maryland. The closing is due to a 17,000 gallon sewage overflow on July 25, 2020, from a 10″ force main located at 298 Cape St. John Road. According to the County Department of Public Works, 6,000 gallons was recovered with the remaining 11,000 gallons entering a storm drain and discharging directly into Rams Branch (headwaters of Boyds Cove).

The closure is for Boyds Cove; but as a precaution, the Department of Health also posted warning signs at the Cape St. John Community Beach on the South River. Water samples collected on July 27 from Cape St. John Community Beach showed that the beach water was acceptable for swimming, and the warning signs were removed. The Boyds Cove closing will remain in effect until August 1, 2020.

People coming in contact with the affected water are advised to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

Subscribers to the Department’s Water Quality Email Alerts /health-alert/ will receive email notifying them when county waterways are closed. Alerts can also be received by following the Department of Health on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aahealth_water. [/showhide]

[showhide type=”7_3_19″ more_text=”11.14.19 – Department of Health Ordered Emergency Closing for Forked Creek in Arnold; Warned Against Direct Water Contact (Advisory Lifted 11.19.19)” less_text=”11.14.19 – Department of Health Ordered Emergency Closing for Forked Creek in Arnold; Warned Against Direct Water Contact (Advisory Lifted 11.19.19)”]

November 14, 2019 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health had ordered an emergency closing and warned against wading, swimming and other direct water contact in Forked Creek, a tributary of Cool Spring Cove in Arnold, Maryland. The closing was due to a sewage overflow estimated at 8,000 gallons from a manhole on Summerwood Court. The overflow occurred overnight November 13, 2019. The closing will remain in effect until Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

The Department of Health posted signs. People coming in contact with the affected water are advised to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

For more information about the closing, call the Department of Health’s Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program at 410-222-7241.

Subscribers to the Department’s Water Quality Email Alerts will receive email notifying them when county waterways are closed. Alerts can also be received by following the Department of Health on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aahealth_water. [/showhide]

[showhide type=”7_3_19_” more_text=”7.3.19 – Direct Water Contact Advisory For Lake Waterford Due to Harmful Algae Bloom (Advisory Lifted 10.16.19)” less_text=”7.3.19 – Direct Water Contact Advisory For Lake Waterford Due to Harmful Algae Bloom (Advisory Lifted 10.16.19)”]

October 16, 2019 – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has lifted a harmful algae bloom advisory against direct water contact for Lake Waterford in Pasadena. The Maryland Department of the Environment has reported the latest microcystin result for Lake Waterford is 2.0 ppb (parts per billion), which is significantly below the state water contact advisory threshold of 10 ppb.

The blooms of blue-green algae reported on July 3, 2019 at Lake Waterford naturally occur in fresh waters and in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. However, the blooms are in nutrient rich environments and can become harmful when they occur in high concentrations or if they produce toxins.

When bathers see bright green waters, sometimes with a surface scum that resembles green paint, they are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not wade, swim or drink in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.
• If contact is unavoidable, wash body and clothes with clean, warm soapy water.
• If there is skin irritation after contact, see a health care provider.
• Keep pets away from bloom areas. Pets should not ingest or come in contact with water during a bloom. Questions regarding any suspected symptoms in pets should be directed to a veterinarian.
• If you decide to eat fish caught from waters affected by a blue-green algae bloom, remove the fat, skin and organs before cooking. Be careful not to cut into the organs. Before cooking or freezing the fish, rinse the fillets with clean water to remove any contaminants from the cleaning process. Cook fish thoroughly.

More information about blooms can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website: http://dnr.maryland.gov/waters/bay/Pages/algal_blooms/Algae-Bloom-FAQ.aspx. To report human illness from bloom water contact, call the Bay Health Hotline at 877- 224-4229.

For up-to-date information about the advisory status, visit the Department of Health’s website at www.aahealth.org. Subscribers to the Department’s Recreational Water Quality Email Alerts receive emails notifying them of county waterway advisories, closings and reopenings. To sign up for the free e-alerts, visit www.aahealth.org/alerts. Alerts can also be received by following the Department on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aahealth_water. [/showhide]

[showhide type=”3_25_19″ more_text=”3.25.19 – Wharf Creek in Pasadena Emergency Closure (Reopened 4.1.19)” less_text=”3.25.19 – Wharf Creek in Pasadena Emergency Closure (Reopened 4.1.19)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health ordered an emergency closing and warned against swimming and other direct water contact in Wharf Creek, a tributary of Bodkin Creek in Pasadena, Maryland. The closing was due to a sewage overflow estimated between 18,000 and 24,000 gallons from the inflow pipe leading to the holding tank at the Chesapeake High School Complex in Pasadena. The overflow occurred over the weekend. The closing remained in effect until Monday, April 1, 2019.

The Department of Health posted signs. People coming in contact with the affected water were advised to wash well with soap and warm water immediately.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”3_13_19″ more_text=”3.13.19 – Cabin Branch Partial Closure in Glen Burnie (Reopened 3.20.19)” less_text=”3.13.19 – Cabin Branch Partial Closure in Glen Burnie (Reopened 3.20.19)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health closed a section of Cabin Branch near Interstate Highway 895 in Glen Burnie due to a wastewater overflow of approximately 9,150 gallons. The overflow came from two separate manholes near the Harris Heights pumping station, 681 Cedar Ave in Glen Burnie. The Department of Health posted closing signs in the impacted area and the closure was in effect until March 20.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”10_18_18″ more_text=”10.18.18 – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ORDERS EMERGENCY CLOSING FOR NORTH CYPRESS BRANCH IN SEVERNA PARK: Warns Against Direct Water Contact (Reopened 10.25.18)” less_text=”10.18.18 – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ORDERS EMERGENCY CLOSING FOR NORTH CYPRESS BRANCH IN SEVERNA PARK: Warns Against Direct Water Contact (Reopened 10.25.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has ordered an emergency closing and warns against direct water contact for the North Cypress Branch of Cypress Creek in Severna Park, Maryland. Cypress Creek is located off the Magothy River. The closing is due to an overflow of wastewater caused by a broken isolation valve in the air release valve vault at the pumping station located at 7 McKinsey Road. The overflow of approximately 15,000 gallons began in the evening of October 17 and continued overnight.

The waterway closure will be in effect until October 25, 2018. Closure signs have been posted in the impacted area.

The Department of Health advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.

For more information, visit the Department’s website, www.aahealth.org, or call the Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999. [/showhide]

[showhide type=”9_25_18″ more_text=”9.25.18 – Waterway Warning for Cabin Branch in Glen Burnie (Warning Removed 10.2.18)” less_text=”9.25.18 – Waterway Warning for Cabin Branch in Glen Burnie (Warning Removed 10.2.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued a waterway warning for Cabin Branch in Glen Burnie, Maryland, due to a sewage spill of approximately 5,800 gallons from a broken bypass on Cedar Road. The spill, which began on September 24, 2018 and continued overnight, was assessed by the Department of Health on September 25. Cabin Branch is located off of Curtis Creek.

The warning applies to swimming and other direct water contact for Cabin Creek, and it extends from the Cedar Avenue discharge site to Curtis Creek. The warning will remain in effect until October 2, 2018. People coming in contact with the water in the affected area are advised to wash well with soap and warm water. Clothing should also be washed.
[/showhide]

[showhide type=”8_1_18″ more_text=”8.1.18 – Advisory Issued Against 5 Beaches Due to Bacteria (Reopened 8.8.18)” less_text=”8.1.18 – Advisory Issued Against 5 Beaches Due to Bacteria (Reopened 8.8.18)”]

BACTERIA-RELATED ADVISORIES LIFTED, BEACHES ACCEPTABLE FOR SWIMMING
On August 8, 2018, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health lifted its no-swimming/no direct water contact advisories for Atlantic Marina Resort in Pasadena (issued August 2) and for Bay Ridge Beach at Bay Drive, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Beach, and Sandy Point South Beach in Annapolis and for Beverly Beach in Edgewater (issued August 1). The advisories had been issued due to high bacterial levels found in water sample results for the beaches. The Department’s most recent water samples show bacteria levels at the five beaches to be at acceptable levels that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard.

For the most recent water quality report, click here. The report lists beaches that are tested regularly during the summer as part of the Department’s recreational water quality sampling program.

Reminder: After rainfall of 1/2 inch or more, all Anne Arundel County beaches are under a no swimming/no direct water contact advisory for at least 48 hours due to predicted elevated bacteria levels from rainwater runoff and increased health risks. Do not swim in cloudy, murky water.

DEBRIS

If your local community beach has debris, you are advised against swimming and other direct water contact until the debris stops washing ashore, a cleanup has been done and the water has cleared. More Information: Beaches and Debris Cleanup Safety

Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh has announced that the County Department of Public Works (DPW) will assist in cleaning debris off community beaches as a result of the recent Conowingo Dam release. DPW is assessing private beaches and will contact communities to schedule the drop-off and retrieval of dumpsters. Communities with private, bayfront beaches can request an assessment from DPW by calling 410-222-7321 or emailing pwcust00@aacounty.org.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”7_22_18″ more_text=”7.22.18 – Emergency​ Waterway Closure for Cox Creek in Curtis Bay (Reopened 7.30.18)” less_text=”7.22.18 – Emergency​ Waterway Closure for Cox Creek in Curtis Bay (Reopened 7.30.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued a​n emergency​ waterway closure for Cox Creek in Curtis Bay, Maryland. Cox Creek is located​ off the Patapsco River. The closure is due to ​an​ ​estimated ​12,500-gallon sewage overflow from a storm drain at the Cox Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility. The overflow occurred on July 22.

The closure will be in effect through July 29, 2018, and it applies to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Cox Creek​.​ People coming in contact with the ​closed ​​area ​are advised to immediately wash well with soap and warm water. Clothing should also be washed.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”7_3_18″ more_text=”7.3.18 – Emergency​ Waterway Closure for a Section of Carr Creek in Annapolis (Reopened 7.10.18)” less_text=”7.3.18 – Emergency​ Waterway Closure for a Section of Carr Creek in Annapolis (Reopened 7.10.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued a​n emergency​ waterway closure for a section of Carr Creek in Annapolis, from its headwaters to Carrs Creek Road​. Carr Creek is located​ off the Severn River. The closure was due to ​an​ ​estimated ​41,700-gallon sewage spill from three manholes located near the pumping station at the Naval Academy Golf Course on Bryant Road.​ The spill, which occurred overnight, began on July 2.​

The closure was in effect until July 10, 2018 and it applied to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Carr Creek​.​ People coming in contact with the ​closed ​​area ​were advised to immediately wash themselves and their clothing well with soap and warm water.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”5_29_18″ more_text=”5.29.18 – Section of Patapsco River Closed to Swimming and Other Direct Water Contact Due to Sewage Overflows (Reopened 6.28.18)” less_text=”5.29.18 – Section of Patapsco River Closed to Swimming and Other Direct Water Contact Due to Sewage Overflows (Reopened 6.28.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has closed a section of the Patapsco River to swimming and other direct water contact due to sewage overflows of more than 1 million gallons from Baltimore and Howard counties​. The closed waterway area is from the Howard County line to the Baltimore City line along River Road, the Patapsco Valley State Park, and Belle Grove Road.

In Baltimore County, overflows occurred at the Patapsco Sewage Pumping Station, 4612 Annapolis Road in Halethorpe, and the Frederick Road Pumping Station, at 1809 Frederick Road in Catonsville on Sunday, May 27.

In Howard County, an overflow occurred at 4547 Bonnie Branch Road in Ellicott City as a result of a broken main on Monday, May 28 and was stopped around 8:30 p.m. that evening. Stream sampling is being planned for the Howard County area for today, May 29 and beyond as deemed necessary. For questions and general information regarding the circumstances surrounding the overflow, please contact the Howard County Bureau of Utilities at 410-313-4900.

Waterway closing signs have been posted. The Department advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed.  It is also prudent to keep family pets away from the impacted area.

The closing in Anne Arundel County will be for 30 days until June 28, 2018. For more information on the status of the closing, visit www.aahealth.org or call the Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999.

Subscribers to the Department’s Recreational Water Quality Email Alerts www.aahealth.org/alerts receive an email notifying them about waterway closings. Alerts can also be received via text messages by following the Department of Health on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aahealth_water.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”4_8_18″ more_text=”4.8.18 – ​Glen Burnie ​Wastewater ​Overflow​, No Impact on Marley Creek​, Feeder Stream Affected (Reopened 4.15.18)” less_text=”4.8.18 – ​Glen Burnie ​Wastewater ​Overflow​, No Impact on Marley Creek​, Feeder Stream Affected (Reopened 4.15.18)”]

On April 8, 2018, ​a sewer main blockage​ due to tree roots caused a wastewater overflow ​of approximately 34,000 gallons in Glen Burnie. Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works crews responded to the 18-inch gravity main in a wooded area near Highland Drive. ​The Anne Arundel County Department of Health assessed the area, which is near Marley Creek, and determined that Marley Creek was not impacted. However, a feeder stream in a ravine from Highland Drive to Oakwood Road was affected, and it was closed through April 15. Signs alerting the public of the overflow ​were posted. The affected ​ground ​was limed and vacuumed. ​People coming in contact with the ​area ​were advised to immediately wash well with soap and warm water. Clothing should also be washed.

[/showhide]

[showhide type=”3_19_18″ more_text=”3.19.18 – Advisory Issued Against Swimming, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and other Direct Water Contact for Carr Creek in Annapolis (Reopened 3.25.18)” less_text=”3.19.18 – Advisory Issued Against Swimming, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and other Direct Water Contact for Carr Creek in Annapolis (Reopened 3.25.18)”]

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued an advisory against swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and other direct water contact for Carr Creek in Annapolis, Maryland, due to a wastewater overflow (approximately 6,250 gallons). The spill occurred Monday morning, March 19 at the Naval Support Activity Annapolis – North Severn wastewater treatment plant. The advisory remained in effect until Sunday, March 25, 2018. The Department of Health advises people coming in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed. For more information, visit the Department’s website, www.aahealth.org, or call the Recreational Water Quality Line, 410-222-7999.

[/showhide]