Last updated: June 2, 2023
| Preemptive Rainfall Advisory 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. During the summer swim season, the Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program will resume its routine sampling following the 48-hour period. |
Warning!! The Department of Health warns against swimming to any individual who has an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, open cuts, scratches or skin lesions, or a compromised immune system. Do not swim in water areas where there is a fish kill or where there are any dead animals. |
EPA Acceptable Level
The acceptable level for swimming and other direct water contact is determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of the Environment and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. For bodies of water that the Department samples, the acceptable level of enterococci bacteria is 104 or fewer bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters of water. See Water Quality Fact Sheet.
Recreational Water Quality is tested from Memorial Day to Labor Day. |
Key:* These samples were collected after rainfall less than a 1/2 inch which may cause high counts
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Location being resampled to verify and assess the high bacteria counts. An advisory may be issued when results do not meet acceptable levels for two consecutive collections.
An advisory against swimming and other direct water contact has been issued due to a high enterococci count or due to known source of pollution from hazardous debris. The Department also operates a 24 hour automated test results phone line at 410-222-7999. For information on the sampling program, call the Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program at 410-222-7241.
More information can be found at Maryland Healthy Beaches.