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Operation Clearwater – Water Quality Report as of 8/19
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
Water Quality Report as of 7/22/20
Hello!
Unfortunately, none of our sampling sites were within the acceptable levels for recreational water activities. We are investigating the high readings. All samples were analyzed by a local laboratory.
Additionally, please keep in mind that rain is predicted this weekend. Rain washes pollutants from the surrounding watershed into the waterways and may increase bacteria levels of the water.
Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming guidance of water ways after a rain event.
On Wednesday, July 22nd, Arundel Rivers Federation staff collected water samples at the locations listed on the chart. Feces from geese and dogs, as well as leaky septic tanks are the top contributors to high bacteria results.
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 wonderful weekend,
Jesse Iliff, South, West and Rhode Riverkeeper
ARF Water Quality Alert – No Swimming Advisory as of 7/8/20
Hello Neighbors,
Some of you will have seen the high levels of bacteria at the beach and marina found by Arundel Rivers Federation over the past few weeks. HSIA is posting no swimming advisories until we observe these levels going down, which is smart. If there are more than 104 colony-forming-units per 100mL of water, EPA considers that unsafe for swimming. On Wednesday, July 8, the marina had levels ten times that.
I want you all to know that Arundel Rivers Federation is actively investigating the source of this pollution, and will keep you all apprised of what is learned. In the meanwhile, our primary suspect for the beach is geese and other waterfowl which have been assembling there. Please do not feed these animals–that only makes them defecate more.
I know it can be hard to hold back a sweaty child from running into the river (trust me). But for parents of younger kids, we’ve all recently had tough conversations about disease and safety, so try to consider this setback as another opportunity to reinforce the message of making responsible choices to protect our health. Remember, backyard sprinklers are still safe!
Take care neighbors,
Jesse L. Iliff
South, West & Rhode RIVERKEEPER®
Arundel Rivers Federation, Inc.
Operation Clearwater – Water Quality Report as of 7/1/20
Hello!
Nine locations exhibited were not within the acceptable levels for recreational water activities. These include Shoreham Community Beach, South Down Shores, Riva Trace, Hillsmere Beach, Hillsmere Marina, Harbor Hills, Almshouse Creek, Beverly Beach, and West River Sailing Club. All samples were analyzed by a local laboratory.
Additionally, please keep in mind that samples were collected on Wednesday, prior to heavy rain later that night. The rain washes pollutants from the surrounding watershed into the waterways and may increase bacteria levels of the water.
Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming guidance of water ways after a rain event.
On Wednesday, July 1st, Arundel Rivers Federation staff collected water samples at the locations listed on the chart. Feces from geese and dogs, as well as leaky septic tanks are the top contributors to high bacteria results.
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 wonderful weekend,
Jesse Iliff,
South, West and Rhode Riverkeeper
Operation Clearwater – Water Quality Report as of 6/17/20
Hello,
We took the bacteria samples after three sunny days and then it rained hard on Wednesday night. It is supposed to continue to rain for the next couple of days, so this might cause the bacteria rates to be much higher.
According to our monitoring, the algae bloom that has previously been present in all three rivers is beginning to slowly recede. The amount of dead zone seen in the previous three weeks has decreased.
Salinity was measured as 7 parts per thousand; this allows for a great environment for jellyfish, so be on the look out.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
Nancy Merrill Sullivan
Volunteer & Outreach Program Coordinator
Arundel Rivers Federation
Hillsmere Pool 2020 Season – COVID-19 related FAQ as of 6/9/20
Hillsmere Pool 2020 – COVID-19 Related FAQs as of 6/9/2020
• When will the pool open? We hope sometime around 6/20
• Can I still sign up? Yes, all forms must be postmarked by 6/30
• Can I get a refund for the season? Yes, refunds will be honored through the first week of pool opening. If you request a refund, you cannot sign up later (before deadline expires).
• How many people will be permitted in the pool enclosure at a time? 100
• Can we bring guests? No. Due to lowered number of people at a time, we will not allow guests. If number restrictions lessen later in the season, this could be revised.
• Will the wading pool open? No, at this time restrictions will not allow it to open. That may change during the season.
• Will children with swim diapers be allowed in the main pool? Yes. All children who are not potty trained will be required to wear a fitted swim diaper in the main pool. They will have to be held by parent/guardian – not sitting in floats, etc. We are hopeful that this will work with very few issues. However, if accidents occur, we
may have to limit time of day.
• Will we have to sign up for spots? No, we are moving from a traditional card system to an online system so it will help us track numbers and hopefully will not require any type of sign up.
• Since the season is shortened will we receive a refund? We hope so! Anchor fees are due in full now despite the delayed opening. Towards the end of the season, they will provide us a credit for time that the pool was closed for guard/staff hours. We plan to issue credits to members proportionately.
• Will there be parties? No. Due to limits on members at a time and no guests, Anchor has requested that we not have parties this season.
• Will we be required to wear a mask? Definitely not while in the water. However, current guidelines recommend that you need to wear a mask when in close proximity to others. Guards are required to wear them when in contact with members.
• How will the facility be cleaned to reduce the risk of COVID-19? Guards will have to sanitize the pool enclosure 2x per day. There may be time mid-day, when we are asked to leave the enclosure to allow for cleaning. This is schedule is still being developed. There are other strict guidelines that Anchor will have to adhere to. Additionally, there will be wipes and sanitizer available on-site for members to use.
• I heard the pool furniture will be removed to help reduce the need for cleaning and aid with social distancing, is this true? Mostly yes. We plan to have umbrellas out throughout the enclosure for people to use. We plan to have some seating for those who aren’t able to carry in/out their own chairs, sit on the grass, etc. – such as seniors, pregnant mothers, handicapped patrons, etc. All other members should plan to bring a chair to sit in or a towel to place on grass, etc.
• How will you all maintain that everyone keeps 6ft apart? That’s where we need your help! We need you to talk to your kids (big and small) and explain how this is not a normal season. Don’t share toys with friends, keep your space from others, wipe down surfaces after you use them, etc. We will have marked areas in the grassy area to help with distancing.
• Can we extend the season beyond Labor Day since the pool opened late? This is always a possibility but is dependent upon staff by Anchor Aquatics.
• What will the pool hours be? We are hopeful the hours will not differ from year’s past. The standard hours Saturday – Thursday 11am – 8pm. Friday’s 11-9pm.
• How can I find out about any new rules, information concerning this season? Please check on our Facebook page for updates. Sometimes we will send out emails, but those are less frequent.