Anne Arundel Beaches Re-Open After Debris, High Bacteria Levels

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Several beaches in the county are again open for swimming, water skiing and other water contact after being closed last weekend because of either high bacteria levels or debris, according to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

The affected sites are: Atlantic Marina Resort on the Patapsco River in Pasadena; Bay Ridge Beach at Bay Drive, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Beach, and Sandy Point South Beach in Annapolis; and for Beverly Beach in Edgewater. The advisories had been issued after high bacterial levels were found in water sample results for the beaches a week or more ago.

The department’s most recent water samples show bacteria levels at the five beaches are 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.

Many factors, such as rainfall, can cause high bacteria readings. After rainfall of half an inch or more, all Anne Arundel County beaches are under a no swimming/no direct water contact advisory for at least 48 hours because elevated bacteria levels from rainwater runoff are likely, which mean increased health risks. Do not swim in cloudy, murky water.

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Debris From Storms

If your community beach has debris, you should not swim there or have other direct water contact until the debris stops washing ashore, a cleanup has been done and the water has cleared, health officials said.

The County Department of Public Works will assist in cleaning debris off community beaches as a result of the recent Conowingo Dam release. Crews are 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.

Safety Tips For Cleaning Up the Beach, Debris After Heavy Rains

When cleaning up debris from the beach and other outdoor locations, here are some safety tips:

• Keep small children and pets away from debris-strewn areas. People with immune system problems should not attempt to clear debris.
• It is best to avoid clean-up activities if you have open cuts or scrapes on your skin. However, if that is not possible, clean and cover up cuts, scrapes and sores before starting the activity.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, heavy tear-resistant gloves, sturdy closed-toe waterproof shoes or boots, and use insect repellent. Goggles or eye protection may also be necessary.
• Do not touch dead or injured marine animals with your bare hands.
• Maintain proper hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and warm, clean water. If soap and clean water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands before handling food or eating.
• Shower immediately after exposure to floodwaters.
• Thoroughly wash clothing when coming in from a debris cleanup. Wash the soiled clothes separately from other laundry.
• Tetanus bacteria can infect humans by entering the body through cuts or puncture wounds. If you attempt clearing heavy debris, consider when you were last vaccinated against tetanus. Tetanus vaccination needs to be renewed every 10 years. For wound management, the vaccine is given if more than five years have passed since the last tetanus shot.
• If you get a wound, first wash your hands. Next stop the bleeding and thoroughly clean the wound. Then apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Cover the wound. If there is unusual redness, swelling or drainage, seek medical attention immediately.

Photo: Maryland Department of Natural Resources