It rained early Wednesday morning as volunteers started to collect water samples. Shoreham Beach, which historically has low bacteria readings experienced a significant spike. Glen Isle and Harbor Hills also had high bacteria levels. It is forecasted to rain on Saturday, so we predict increased bacteria levels afterwards. Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming guidance of water ways after a rain event. Rain washes pollutants from the surrounding watershed into the waterways and may increase bacteria levels of the water.
On Wednesday, August 19th, Arundel Rivers Federation volunteers collected water samples at the locations listed on the chart. All samples were analyzed at a local laboratory. The acceptable concentration of Enterococci bacteria for swimming and other direct water contact is less than 104 (cfu) colony forming units/100ml.
Have a safe and fun weekend,
Jesse Iliff, South, West and Rhode Riverkeeper
